Chennai, April 21:
In a move aimed at boosting voter participation and ensuring inclusive access to polling stations, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation has announced free bus travel for senior citizens and differently abled persons on April 23, the day of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections.
The facility, introduced in accordance with directives from the Election Commission of India, will be available on all ordinary fare buses operated across the city.
Officials said that senior citizens aged 60 years and above, differently abled persons, and visually impaired individuals will be eligible to avail the free travel service. Beneficiaries must present valid identification documents to access the facility.
Senior citizens are required to produce age proof along with their Voter ID card, while differently abled passengers must carry their UDID (Unique Disability ID) card in addition to their Voter ID. Free tickets will be issued on board by bus conductors, and no prior booking or token is necessary.
Transport authorities clarified that the scheme will be strictly limited to polling day and will not extend to other categories of services, with eligibility confined to ordinary fare buses.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to remove logistical barriers and facilitate smooth and accessible voting, particularly for vulnerable sections of society, thereby contributing to higher voter turnout in the State capital.