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Chennai needs more buses. And in an effort to expand its old and ailing fleet, the MTC has announced the addition of 1000 privately run buses to its fleet. While Sumana, CAG agrees this could provide much needed respite to our public transportation sector, it is unlikely that  the private sector will be willing to ply on the not so lucrative routes. Nor will they honour the special fare provisions offered to women, students, people with disabilities etc.  

The recently notified Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act 2022 permits re-development of buildings more than 30 years old with the assent of just two thirds of the apartment owners. Commenting on this Saroja, CAG, explains that the move could place vulnerable groups at risk, who might be unable to move out of the property for various reasons; and that decisions as important as this should consider every resident's unique needs and ability to comply.

In this article that describes the menace of bike racing on Chennai's roads, Sumana, CAG, explains that with young people having a poor grasp of the risks of speeding, our driving tests need to be more robust, and awareness programmes need to be more extensive. 

As residents of small and medium sized apartments come to terms with the increases in electricity tariff for their common areas, Bharath Ram, CAG explains that this could have been a hike that was done in stages.

The Chennai Climate Action Plan proposes to achieve 100% renewable energy in the city, by 2030. Consumer friendly tariffs are key to achieving the switch to solar, to make this target achievable. Vishnu, CAG, asks if the GCC has a plan to incentivise the switch, as without it, the target is vague and not actionable.

Afroz, CAG explains why those extensive networks comprising the city's waste workers are absolutely key to any recycle-reuse efforts. As this article explains, it's their work that saves about 2000 tonnes of used clothes from ending up in landfills.

'Energy efficient appliances (as indicated by the Energy Star Rating) can help you cut down on your energy bills', explains Bharath, CAG. And if you're worried about the new electricity tariff, there are more tips here to help you save electricity.

With different agencies carrying out civic work in nearly 500 locations across the city, throwing it into chaos, Saroja, CAG explains why improvements need to be undertaken in a planned and phased manner, keeping the public informed at all times.

Vishnu Rao, CAG, speaking on the proposed TANGEDCO scheme to incentivise middle income households to give up their subsidy explains that the scheme should instead target the creamy layer of consumers. If these users can be encouraged to openly declare that they have given up their subsidy, it could inspire similar change from their followers. The scheme is yet to be approved by the TNERC.

Sumana, CAG, explains why the TN government's initiative to offer free bus travel to women, is likely to result in better livelihood outcomes, especially for those women from the disorganised sector. She also points out that for continuation of the scheme, we need more than intuitive justifications; we need data on the actual results.