The Tamil Nadu government has floated tenders worth Rs 17 crore to install advanced 360-degree surveillance cameras and driver monitoring systems on 4,000 state buses, with a pilot phase for 500 buses. As a major state-run bus operator, State Express Transport Corporation is expected to implement these measures, which raise concerns about increased surveillance and potential impacts on driver autonomy and worker rights.

State Express Transport Corporation has launched an investigation after a crew allegedly forced a female passenger to disembark at night. The company has confirmed that disciplinary action will be taken and new safety protocols will be implemented to ensure passengers, especially those traveling during late hours, are dropped at requested locations.

Following a policy decision by Tamil Nadu not to privatize transport corporations, State Express Transport Corporation remains under public control and is bolstering its fleet and workforce by purchasing new buses and recruiting drivers, reinforcing public service and worker welfare.

State Express Transport Corporation, as part of a broader state initiative in Tamil Nadu, is outsourcing its bus crew by contracting external service providers. This move, although complying with existing labor laws, raises concerns about job security and weakening of traditional worker protections.

The article notes that since 2021, the Tamil Nadu government has ensured the timely disbursal of salaries to workers of State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), which supports labor rights and contrasts with corporate practices that benefit from massive loan waivers. This measure reinforces worker welfare despite broader criticisms of corporate favoritism in the region.