Chennai Ula Vintage Bus Service: Are Heritage Buses Being Withdrawn from Tourist Routes?

The Chennai Ula bus service, operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), was introduced to help residents and tourists explore the city`s important landmarks through a special hop-on hop-off bus facility. However, the vintage buses introduced as part of the service are now being used for regular public transport, raising questions among heritage bus enthusiasts about the original purpose of the initiative.

Chennai Ula offers two types of bus services: vintage buses designed with a traditional 1980s look and the air-conditioned Chennai Ula 2.0 service.

Vintage Buses Now Used for Regular Public Transport

The vintage buses have reportedly been converted for use on Route 18A and are currently operating as part of Chennai`s regular public transport network. These buses run between Royapuram and Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT), Kilambakkam.

The buses were designed to resemble the Pallavan Transport Corporation buses that operated during the 1970s and 1980s. Their retro appearance was intended to recreate the experience of travelling through old Madras.

The change in their usage has disappointed some vintage bus enthusiasts, who feel that using them for regular transport takes away from the original tourism-focused concept of Chennai Ula.

What Is Chennai Ula Bus Service?

Chennai Ula is an MTC-operated hop-on hop-off bus service that allows passengers to visit several important locations across the city. The vintage buses were introduced with an appearance inspired by the public buses of the 1980s.

The service also includes Chennai Ula 2.0, an upgraded air-conditioned bus facility. The reported ticket fares are ₹50 for the vintage bus service and ₹100 for the air-conditioned service, allowing passengers to travel throughout the day.

The vintage buses were also designed with facilities to make boarding and getting off easier for passengers with disabilities.

Chennai Ula Bus Timings

The reported operating schedules for the two services are:

Buses are scheduled at intervals of approximately 30 minutes.

Chennai Ula Bus Route and Tourist Attractions

The Chennai i Ula sightseeing route starts at Chennai Central Railway Station, covers several important landmarks and returns to the starting point.

Major stops and attractions along the route include:

- Park Railway Station and Egmore Railway Station

- Government Museum, Egmore

- Valluvar Kottam

- Semmozhi Poonga, Teynampet

- Luz Corner, Mylapore

- Santhome Church and Chennai Lighthouse

- Vivekananda House

- Kannagi Statue and Marina Beach

- War Memorial

- Secretariat and Madras High Court

- Pallavan House

- Chennai Central Railway Station

Chennai Ula Bus Ticket Fare and Booking

The reported fare for a full-day Chennai Ula sightseeing ticket is ₹100 for the air-conditioned service and ₹50 for the vintage bus service. Passengers can board and get off at designated stops during the validity of their ticket.

Tickets can be purchased on the buses and through the Chennai One app.

The reported shift of vintage buses to Route 18A has raised questions about their availability for sightseeing. However, the information provided does not confirm that the entire Chennai Ula service, including the air-conditioned Chennai Ula 2.0 buses, has been discontinued.