Chennai: The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) in Chennai is grappling with a critical staff shortage as 120 bus crew members, including drivers and conductors, are scheduled to retire this month. This exacerbates an ongoing issue, with the government failing to conduct a comprehensive recruitment drive for drivers and conductors in nearly eight years.
Every month, the retirement of 120 to 150 employees severely impacts bus operations, leading to the idling of 300 to 500 buses daily across various depots. While MTC officials have sought permission from the government to initiate new recruitment drives, the decision is pending government consideration. Despite the staffing crunch, MTC claims to operate up to 2,900 buses daily, attributing this feat to improved staff attendance, with employees now working 23-26 days a month compared to the previous 18-20 days. Additionally, employee welfare measures and enhanced extra-duty wages, amounting to 800 or above per day, have contributed to maintaining operational levels.
Transport department sources, however, highlight that MTC struggled to operate nearly 30 lakh trips last year due to crew shortages, compared to 20 lakh trips during the pre-Covid era. Presently, there is an acute shortage of approximately 800 drivers. To address the pressing issue, MTC has resorted to employing casual workers for driving and ticket distribution over the past five months. These workers, possessing valid heavy-duty driving licenses, undergo a one-day training session and basic driving test before being enlisted to operate buses, earning 800 per day.
Despite these interim measures, passengers continue to face prolonged waiting times, particularly during non-peak hours. Commuters report enduring lengthy waits for buses, especially during the 1pm-3pm lunch break. In response, MTC has introduced 12-hour shifts for crew members to augment service frequency and reduce passenger wait times. As MTC navigates through this staffing crisis, efforts to recruit and retain skilled personnel remain pivotal in ensuring the uninterrupted operation of Chennai’s public transportation system. The impending retirements underscore the urgent need for sustainable solutions to bolster the workforce and uphold service quality standards.
