The Hindu 21.11.2013
Madurai bus stand gets auto, taxi bay
An exclusive parking bay for autos and taxis along with separate registration counters, constructed by the Corporation at Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Stand to check haphazard parking of vehicles, was inaugurated by Mayor V.V. Rajan Chellappa and new Corporation Commissioner Kiran Gurrala on Wednesday.
Talking to reporters, the Mayor said drivers of 90 autos and 25 taxis had registered their particulars at the counters and this system would help regulate traffic at the busy bus stand.
“Chief Minister Jayalalithaa introduced pre-paid auto and taxi system in Chennai recently. We want to do it in Madurai too after obtaining permission from the government with rates fixed,” he said.
In the registration counter, the number of the vehicle hired by the passengers, its destination and the driver’s name will be recorded. The passengers have to give the fare directly to the drivers.
Mr.Chellappa said the Corporation had spent Rs.1.2 crore to construct the parking bay. Other amenities such as shelter for drivers would be provided soon, he noted.
He urged share auto drivers to help improve traffic control mechanism in the bus stand area.
A. Mathuram, City Engineer, Madurai Corporation, said the opening of parking bay would control auto and taxi fares and the irregular movement of vehicles to certain extent. “There is no provision under the Transport Act or the Town Planning Act to provide parking space in bus stands. But, the Madurai Corporation has taken this initiative for the benefit of the passengers,” he added.
R. Gopalakrishnan, Deputy Mayor, and Yasodha Mani, City Health Officer, were also present.
