Transport corporation advises staff to treat free bus passengers with courtesy

The State Transport Corporation has instructed bus drivers and conductors to treat passengers with courtesy and ensure that free travel for women, girls and transgender persons is not treated with indifference.
The free travel scheme, recently launched by Chief Minister Vijay, allows women, girls and transgender persons to travel free of charge in government buses, except AC buses. With the scheme expected to increase passenger numbers, transport officials have issued instructions to drivers and conductors on passenger service.
Conductors have been advised not to issue tickets while remaining seated. They have been instructed to walk through the bus and issue tickets to passengers. Officials have also stressed that free travel should not result in indifferent treatment and that passengers should be addressed politely.
Drivers and conductors have been instructed to close the doors after passengers board and alight from the bus. Buses should also be stopped safely by the roadside for boarding and alighting.
A Chennai Metropolitan Transport Corporation official said around 7,000 drivers and conductors had been given training at four centres. Instructions were also provided at depots.
The official said passengers must be issued tickets even when they are travelling free of charge and staff should walk through both the front and rear sections of buses to issue tickets. Conductors and drivers have also been advised not to behave harshly towards women passengers.