The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) in Chennai is set to launch premier air-conditioned bus services, equipped with modern amenities to attract more passengers and enhance the public transportation experience.According to the state transport minister, Mr. S.S. Sivashankar, the transport department has been assessing the feasibility of introducing premium A/C buses featuring comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, GPS, CCTV cameras, and emergency buttons. These enhancements aim to encourage more people to use public transportation, potentially reducing vehicular congestion.
To support this initiative, the state government will provide a viability gap fund to bridge the difference between expenditure and revenue. MTC will determine the routes and fares for these new services, while the procurement, maintenance, and operation of the e-buses will be managed by an appointed operator.
MTC has already floated bids to purchase e-buses through the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model in the first phase. Future plans include installing automatic doors on all buses operated by the transport corporation to ensure passenger safety.
Minister Sivashankar expressed confidence that these upgrades would significantly improve the quality of service offered by MTC, making public transportation a more appealing option for residents of Chennai.