Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin flagged off 88 new buses for the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) on Sunday, marking a significant upgrade to the city’s public transportation system. The fleet includes 58 ultra low-floor buses, 30 high-floor buses, and 12 refurbished buses, all aimed at enhancing the commuting experience for Chennai’s residents.According to an official release, the 58 low-floor buses are part of the 611 buses allotted to the MTC. These buses are specifically designed to be accessible to persons with disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, women, and children. With a ground clearance of just 400 mm, these buses are engineered for easy boarding and deboarding, particularly for those with mobility challenges.
The buses are equipped with a kneeling facility that allows them to lower themselves by about 60 mm when they stop, further facilitating access for passengers. This feature is particularly beneficial for the disabled community and senior citizens, making public transportation more inclusive and user-friendly.
The introduction of these low-floor buses is significant as they are being reintroduced in Chennai after a six-year hiatus. Each bus can accommodate up to 75 passengers, including 35 seated, ensuring ample capacity for daily commuters.
The flag-off ceremony took place in the presence of several key figures, including Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar, HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, Mayor R. Priya, Chennai Central MP Dayanidhi Maran, Transport Department Additional Chief Secretary Phanindra Reddy, and MTC Managing Director Alby John Varghese.
Speaking at the event, Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin emphasized the importance of modernizing public transportation to meet the needs of all citizens, particularly those who require additional support. He highlighted the government’s commitment to improving accessibility and convenience in public transport, which is a crucial aspect of urban development.