MTC Chennai to Launch New Bus Tracking App and Smart Display Boards Across Chennai
Commuters in Chennai will soon experience smarter and easier public transport services as the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) is set to launch the new “MTC Chennai” mobile application along with advanced Passenger Information System (PIS) display boards across the city.
The project is being implemented under the Chennai Intelligent Transport System (CITS) initiative funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Officials said the new app and digital display boards are expected to go live within the next few days.
Real-Time MTC Bus Tracking Made Easy
The upcoming MTC Chennai app will replace the current Chennai Bus app and provide highly accurate real-time bus tracking using onboard GPS devices installed in buses.
The app has been redesigned with commuter feedback, especially from differently-abled passengers, making it easier to identify low-floor buses and locate the correct boarding points.
Key Features of the New MTC Chennai App
- Real-time live bus tracking
- Easy route search using route numbers
- Track ordinary, express, deluxe, EV and AC buses
- Nearby bus stop identification feature
- Low-floor bus identification for differently-abled passengers
- SOS emergency feature for women commuters
- Future support for digital ticket booking
Colour Codes for Bus Categories
| Bus Category | Tracking Colour |
| AC Bus | Light Green |
| Express Bus | Grey |
| Ordinary Bus | Red |
| Deluxe Bus | Yellow |
| AC EV Bus | Blue |
| EV Bus | Green |
| Low Floor Bus | Dark Green |
| Small Bus | Brown |
Smart Display Boards Installed at 500 Bus Stops
MTC has already installed around 500 smart PIS display boards at bus stops and major termini across Chennai to help passengers track bus arrival timings even without smartphones.
The digital display boards will provide:
- Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
- Bus departure timings
- Live passenger information updates
Major bus termini including Kilambakkam Bus Terminus, Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus, Anna SquarePerambur and Vadapalani will receive larger display systems showing both arrival and departure timings.
SOS Safety Feature for Women Passengers
One of the major highlights of the new MTC Chennai app is the e inbuilt SOS feature. Women passengers will be able to contact the MTC control centre instantly during emergencies after the official launch.
MTC Exploring In-App Ticket Booking
MTC officials also confirmed that digital ticket booking through the app is being explored. If the CHENNAI ONE platform becomes ONDC-compliant, services like RedBus and AbhiBus could also issue MTC bus tickets in the future.
Chennai Public Transport to Become Smarter
The new MTC Chennai app and smart bus display boards are expected to improve public transport convenience, reduce passenger confusion, enhance commuter safety and make daily travel across Chennai faster and more efficient.
