Since January 5, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation is operating a new small bus route: S39. The service originates at the T. Nagar terminus on South Usman Road, plies through C.I.T. Nagar, Nandanam (Anna Salai), Teynmapet (Kavingar Bharathidasan Salai), Alwarpet (T.T.K Road and C.P. Ramaswamy Road), Dr.Ranga Road (Abhiramapuram), Bheema Sena Garden Street (Mylapore) and culminates at the Kapaleeshwarar temple tank (Mylapore).
In addition to the regular bus service: 5B (from T. Nagar terminus to Kapaleeshwarar temple tank in Mylapore via C.I.T. Nagar, Anna Salai (Saidapet), Taluk Office Road -Little Mount, Sardar Patel Road - Guindy; Gandhi Nagar First Main Road - Adyar; Ramakrishna Mutt Road - Mandaveli), the new small bus service S39 provides connectivity to Kapaleeshwarar temple tank.
S39 runs 28 trips every day. The first trip starts at 5.35 a.m. and the last trip is at 8.50 p.m. from T. Nagar terminus. The frequency is one service per hour. In this regard, an MTC official says, “The new service was introduced following a representation by Mylapore MLA R. Nataraj for a direct service between the T. Nagar terminus and the Mylapore temple tank via Nandanam. As of now, only one vehicle is dedicated for the S39 route. If it receives good patronage, the frequency will be increased.” Many commuters seem to be happy with the new service.
Commuter R. Selvi says, “I reside at T. Nagar and my workplace is located at C.P. Ramaswamy Road. I used to take Route Number 12, alight at T.T.K Road and from there I walk down the distance. Now, the new small bus service is quite convenient as it passes through C.P. Ramaswamy Road.”
Residents of Mylapore point out that the service of 12C (from CMBT to Mylapore tank via Saligramam, Vadapalani, Kodambakkam, West Mambalam, Nandanam, Teynampet, Alwarpet, Adyar Gate, Mandaveli) was convenient but it was terminated in June 2017. Although, 12E (from Saligramam to Pattinapakkam via Vadapalani, North Usman Road, Thiyagaraya Road, Teyanmpet (Kavignar Bharathidasan Salai), Alwarpet (Luz Church Road) and Mylapore (Kutchery Road) was introduced in June 2018, it did not cover Nandanam, Mandaveli and Mylapore tank. They have also pointed out that the frequency of the regular bus service 5B is quite poor. And now, Mylapore residents expect S39 to make a difference.
However, a section of commuters have suggested that S39 be extended up to Mandaveli.