J Prathapan, District Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Agriculturist Laborers Association (TNALA) said, “For decades, the people here have been requesting bus services. In June, the Dharmapuri administration held talks with locals and TNALA members who have been repeatedly conducting protests for bus service. Following this, a trial run was conducted and after some modifications, the announcement was made. The Vathalmalai residents are pleased with the announce-ment.” R Mohan (42), a farmer from Vathalmalai said, “This is good news for farmers here. If buses are operated, farmers can easily transport their produce to markets. Right now residents in the hamlets have to spend thousands of rupees on transport to sell their produce.”