The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Limited (MTC) has launched the ‘Chennai Ula’ hop-on hop-off tourist bus service, offering residents and visitors an easy and affordable way to explore the city’s rich heritage and iconic landmarks.The service was flagged off on January 14 by Tamil Nadu Transport Minister S. S. Sivasankar as part of efforts to promote tourism and highlight Chennai’s historical and cultural importance. In the first phase, five specially designated buses have been introduced.
16 Key Destinations on a Circular Route
Operating on a 30-km circular route, Chennai Ula connects 16 major tourist and heritage locations across the city. Key stops include Marina Beach, Government Museum, Egmore, Madras Lighthouse, and the Kannagi Statue, among others. The route has been designed to give passengers a comprehensive experience of Chennai’s coastal, cultural, and historical sites.
A major highlight of the service is its hop-on hop-off model, which allows passengers to get down at any stop, explore the location at their own pace, and re-board another bus using the same ticket.
Low-Cost, All-Day Travel
To ensure accessibility, MTC has priced the all-day ticket at just ₹50, allowing unlimited travel on all five Chennai Ula buses for the entire day. The initiative is aimed at encouraging both tourists and city residents to rediscover Chennai without the burden of high travel costs.
Tickets are available at major railway stations, Marina Beach, onboard the buses, and through the Chennai One mobile application, making the service convenient and user-friendly.
Boost to Urban Tourism
Officials said the Chennai Ula service is intended to make city tourism affordable, engaging, and well-connected, while also supporting local businesses around major tourist hubs. If the response is encouraging, authorities are expected to consider expanding the fleet and routes in future phases.
With its low fare, flexible travel option, and focus on heritage, Chennai Ula is being seen as a significant step towards promoting Chennai as a vibrant urban tourism destination.