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The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has decided to buy 70 mini electric buses, each about seven metres long, in the first phase of its plan to introduce 220 mini and microbuses in Chennai. These buses aim to improve first and last mile connectivity (FLMC) for passengers using Chennai Metro Rail's
Phase I stations.
Purchases in Two Parts
As per the minutes of a meeting held with bus manufacturers on November 3, the purchase will happen in two parts. In the first package, MTC will get 70 mini electric buses with a maximum width of 2.2 metres. The second package includes 150 smaller microbuses, 5 to 5.5 metres in length and up to 1.8 metres wide.
Chennai Metro to Cover Metro Stations
Officials from the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) and Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will jointly finalise routes covering 11 key Metro stations. A senior CUMTA official said that these microbuses will help increase public transport usage by offering convenient access to Metro stations. This initiative supports the "Metro to the Doorstep" concept, encouraging people to shift from private vehicles to public transport. Passengers using these connecting buses will also receive fare discounts.
Chennai Metro's New Bus Services
The new bus services will operate daily between 7 am and 11 pm, connecting major Metro stations to nearby residential and commercial areas within about five kilometres. These microbuses will run without conductors, and passengers can pay digitally or use the Chennai One app to book tickets.
MTC has chosen four depots: Koyambedu, Saidapet, Wimco Nagar, and Pallavaram, to operate the new buses. Each vehicle will feature air-conditioning, CCTV cameras, GPS tracking, panic buttons, passenger counting systems, automatic fare collection, and real-time information displays to ensure safe, modern, and comfortable travel for commuters in Chennai.
