The resumption of normal services on Friday by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), after the transport workers’ strike ended on Thursday, brought cheer among people who had to head home in the southern districts for Pongal. With Friday too being declared a holiday, the day saw people flocking to the bus stands since morning.
The TNSTC opened a special reservation counter for advance reservation at Singanallur bus stand in the city on Friday afternoon to enable hassle-free travel to Madurai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Rajayapalayam, Nagercoil and Marthandam.
The TNSTC arranged for over 300 buses from Coimbatore to southern Tamil Nadu on Friday, an official said. Last year, about 330 buses were operated, he added.
TNSTC Coimbatore and Udhagamandalam regions operated 10 special buses to Chennai on Thursday night, an official at the Gandhipuram moffusil bus stand said.
Retired employees of transport corporations thanked union leaders for helping them get their long-pending terminal benefits at one go.
An official said the government cleared terminal benefits including gratuity, PF, and even commutation benefits to the tune of ₹750 crore across the State.
These benefits, ranging from a minimum of ₹2 lakh to over ₹40 lakh, were credited to the bank accounts of the retired employees and officials, a retired official said.
