Number of women in city have appealed to the authorities to introduce more Magalir Mattum (Ladies Special) buses during peak hours.

According to sources, the Ladies Special services were operated in the city between 1995 and 1997 along five major routes. Currently only one such special service is being operated – one in the morning and one in the evening.

Kavitha Nataraj, one of the regular commuters told The Covai Post that separate buses for women was very much required. “More than anything it is about women’s safety. If the general public is more disciplined, there is no need for special services for women. Unfortunately some men do not know how to behave. That is where the problem arises,” she said.

“Our buses have separate seats for men and women. But still during peak hours women complain of groping and harassment from fellow passengers. Safety of women passengers is more important than anything else,” Kavitha added.

A number of students, working women endorsed Kavitha’s views.

When contacted, a Transport Department official said the department was analysing the routes to reintroduce the Ladies Special buses, that were stopped long ago due to various reasons.