The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) of the Tamil Nadu government will introduce 41 additional special buses for school students in Chennai starting from Monday. This initiative aims to enhance dedicated transport services, reduce overcrowding on regular buses, and ensure safer travel for students during peak school hours. With this expansion, a total of 66 special school buses will operate in the city, making 134 trips daily to serve students traveling between residential areas and schools.
The decision to introduce these additional buses was made following a directive from Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to improve public transport facilities for schoolchildren. The move is expected to benefit numerous students who currently rely on regular MTC buses, which often face heavy congestion during school opening and closing times. The MTC conducted an extensive field assessment, including a 10-day study in Saidapet and other areas with high student ridership, to determine the necessity of dedicated school services.
Based on the assessment results and a report submitted to the government, the MTC received approval to expand its special bus network. Previously, the corporation operated 25 dedicated school buses covering 25 educational institutions and making 50 trips daily. The addition of 41 new buses marks a significant improvement in service quality, aiming to enhance punctuality, reduce student travel stress, and alleviate passenger pressure on regular routes. The Transport Minister, along with senior officials, inspected the new buses before their deployment.
The government anticipates that this strengthened bus network will offer students a safer and more dependable commuting option, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of Chennai’s public transport system during peak hours.
