Chennai:Nearly two years since its launch, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s (MTC) mobile application,touted as a game-changer for Chennai’s public transportation, continues to face significant challenges.
A recent survey conducted by the Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group has revealed that the app,despite its initial promise,remains largely underutilized and riddled with issues.
A staggering 70% of surveyed commuters,who had downloaded the app,reported using it infrequently,while 14% admitted to accessing it only once a month.A mere 7% of users claimed to rely on the app daily,and 6% use it every other day.
A significant 30% of respondents highlighted instances where the app displayed defunct bus routes,while numerous operational routes were conspicuously absent.
Additionally,29% of users reported inaccuracies in the displayed route information,with several routes affected by Metro construction not being updated on the app.
The app’s failure to provide essential information like ticket fares further hindered its utility for commuters.
Given the persistent issues plaguing the app, experts and commuters alike are calling for the intervention of IT Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan.
His active involvement could expedite the resolution of these problems and ensure the app’s effectiveness as a valuable tool for Chennai’s public transportation system.
Regular Updates:The MTC should implement a rigorous system of regular updates to ensure accurate and up-to-date information on bus routes,schedules, and fares.
User-Friendly Interface: The app’s interface could be further streamlined to enhance user experience and make it more intuitive for commuters of all ages.
Real-time Tracking: Implementing real-time bus tracking would significantly improve the app’s utility, allowing commuters to accurately predict arrival times and plan their journeys accordingly.
Feedback Mechanism: A robust feedback mechanism should be established to enable users to report issues and suggest improvements.
By addressing these concerns and leveraging technology effectively, the MTC can transform the Chennai bus app into a truly indispensable tool for city dwellers, making public transportation more efficient and accessible.
