CHENNAI: Earlier the Madras Transport Corporation (MTC) had received complaints from passengers about the inappropriate behaviour of the MTC crew, and footboard travelling and pick pocket cases in the buses were also reported. Following this MTC installed CCTVs in certain air conditioned and closed-door buses in 2013. 10 long distance route buses were chosen and CCTV cameras installed in more than 60 buses and plans were to gradually install cameras in more number of buses. Four cameras were installed in buses. While front and back doors had each camera, one camera was fixed behind the driver’s seat. The front-left side also had a camera. “It is not our duty to take up repair works on faulty CCTVs. The MTC has failed to keep an eye on functioning of the CCTVs”, a MTC conductor said. Programme Manager of Chennai City Connect, Mr Daniel Robinson, who made a detailed study on MTC buses said “Such CCTVs will ensure the safety for both passengers and MTC crew and it will even instill fear among the offenders travelling in the buses. It will be very helpful in identifying passengers, who damage glasses and harass the women” he said. Minor crimes in the buses would be brought to light and offenders could easily be traced and punished, if cameras were fitted in the buses, he added. “The defunct CCTV cameras will soon be restored and more CCTV cameras will be installed in buses after a study” said an official. ]]>
