Chennai to Get 220 Mini & Micro Electric Buses for Better Metro Connectivity
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) will procure 70 mini electric buses in the first phase as part of its plan to introduce 220 mini and microbuses to strengthen first and last mile connectivity for Chennai Metro Phase I stations. The purchase will be done in two packages: 70 seven-metre buses (2.2 metres wide) and 150 microbuses (5–5.5 metres long, up to 1.8 metres wide).
CUMTA and CMRL will soon finalise routes covering 11 Metro Phase I stations. According to officials, the microbus network will improve ridership by bringing Metro access closer to residential areas, supporting the “Metro to the Doorstep” initiative. Passengers using microbuses to connect to the Metro will receive fare concessions.
The services will run from 7 am to 11 pm, connecting nearby areas within a 5 km radius. The microbuses will operate without conductors, with digital ticketing available through the Chennai One app. MTC has identified depots at Koyambedu, Saidapet, Wimco Nagar, and Pallavaram for operations. All vehicles will feature air-conditioning, CCTV, GPS, panic buttons, automatic fare collection, passenger information displays, and passenger counting systems.
