The Coimbatore transport division achieved a remarkable revenue of Rs 4.95 crore on April 22, a day prior to the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, by deploying over 1,650 special buses that catered to more than 16 lakh passengers. This figure significantly exceeds the division's usual daily earnings of around Rs 2.38 crore, which covers the districts of Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode, and the Nilgiris.
Passenger Surge and Operational Challenges
Officials noted that a large number of individuals traveled from these four districts to their native places and other districts to cast their votes. The Salem transport division recorded the highest revenue on that day, followed by Villupuram and Coimbatore. With schools closing for summer holidays, many electors traveled with their children, further increasing the rush at bus stands.
Inconvenience Faced by Passengers
Passengers experienced significant inconvenience due to insufficient buses to handle the unexpected crowd, particularly at the Singanallur and Gandhipuram bus stands. Many commuters had to wait for more than five hours for buses heading to southern districts. Despite the massive crowd, the number of buses was inadequate to meet public demand.
Dedicated Efforts of Officials
Officials worked continuously for 36 hours, starting from midnight on April 21 and finishing on the morning of April 23. Despite the challenges, they managed the situation with utmost dedication. The Coimbatore transport division's performance on this election day underscores the critical role of public transport in facilitating democratic processes.
