Coimbatore: The Minister for Municipal Administration, Rural Development and Implementation of Special Programme, S P Velumani and the Minister for Transport, M R Vijayabhaskar distributed Rs. 164.79 crores to 793 retired employees of TNSTC, Coimbatore Zone at the TNSTC office on Coimbatore-Mettupalayam road.
Coimbatore: The Minister for Municipal Administration, Rural Development and Implementation of Special Programme, S P Velumani and the Minister for Transport, M R Vijayabhaskar distributed Rs. 164.79 crores to 793 retired employees of TNSTC, Coimbatore Zone at the TNSTC office on Coimbatore-Mettupalayam road.
M R Vijayabhaskar addressed the gathering saying, "The Transport Department serves the public and on an average about 1.75 crore people use the transport facilities. As it is a service sector, there is a huge gap between income and expenses.
The employees' genuine request of cash benefits is being granted under this TN regime. The State Transport service is on par with that of private transport employers. Very soon, minibuses like that of Chennai will be on Coimbatore roads too," added the Minister.
He further added that about 2,000 electric buses and 12,000 PS6 buses had been bought through a German bank. "As a first step, about 820 electric buses will be operated in significant towns like Coimbatore and Chennai. 5844 new buses are to be purchased and TNSTC buses are being modernized on par with private buses," reiterated M R Vijayabhaskar.
Minister S P Velumani in his address stated, "We have asked for minibuses for Coimbatore like the ones plying in Chennai. The buses are being manufactured and very soon minibuses will be operating in the city. Coimbatore is witnessing a growth that has not happened in the last 50 years."
Later, addressing the media, the Minister for Transport said that the Chief Minister was consulting on the New Motor Vehicles Act (Amendment) Bill so that it does not affect the public. "Reduced fines will soon be enforced and action will be taken if any complaints regarding extra fare charges are imposed on the public during Diwali," he added.
M R Vijayabhaskar also added that the Chief Minister inaugurated the cash benefits program of Rs.1093 crores to be distributed to the retired employees of TNSTC this morning. "Since there was a vast difference between revenue and expenditure, there is a delay in providing cash benefits to the retired employees. Consultation meetings are being held regarding special buses on the occasion of Diwali and additional buses will be operated from Coimbatore, Tirupur and Bangalore.
The TN Chief Minister will take measures to reduce the charges as the New Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill is affecting the people. Right now, fines at the old rate are being collected for violating the law but soon the new penalty rates will be in effect," he stated.