The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Ltd. (MTC), Tamil Nadu's state-run bus operator, has been awarded the national title of 'City with the Best Public Transport System' at the Urban Mobility India Conference 2025 held in Gurugram. The award was presented by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal in the presence of Minister of State Tokhan Sahu. Transport Minister S. S. Sivasankar and MTC Managing Director T. Prabhushankar received the award on behalf of the state.
The recognition acknowledges MTC's continuous progress in improving efficiency, accessibility, and inclusivity within Chennai's public transport system. Operating on more than 660 routes that cover the city and its suburbs, MTC has introduced several people-focused schemes. Among them, the Vidiyal Payanam scheme provides free travel for women, while the Dedicated School Bus Service Scheme offers on-campus pick-up and drop facilities for students to ensure safe and reliable travel to schools. MTC has also expanded its digital and green initiatives. The agency has deployed Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMS) across its fleet, allowing commuters to pay using the National Common Mobility Card, UPI, or debit and credit cards. The introduction of the Chennai One app has simplified travel planning by enabling passengers to use a single ticket across MTC buses, Chennai Metro Rail, and suburban trains, making multimodal travel smoother and more convenient.
In addition, MTC has been introducing low-floor electric buses as part of its sustainable mobility push. The corporation is adopting an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) for real-time bus tracking, helping improve punctuality and safety. The agency's focus on last-mile connectivity and its efforts to keep services running even at midnight have strengthened commuter trust in Chennai's public transport. While challenges such as overcrowding and low digital payment adoption persist, MTC has made visible progress. For instance, despite digital ticketing being available, only a small share of passengers currently use online payment options. The ongoing introduction of air-conditioned electric buses under the Chennai City Partnership Sustainable Urban Services Project, supported by international agencies, reflects a strong move toward modernization and reduced carbon emissions.
A modern MTC bus fleet on Chennai's roads
“Chief Minister Shri M. K. Stalin praised the MTC for setting an example of how a city's living standards reflect in the reliability and quality of its public transport. He congratulated the MTC team and Transport Minister S. S. Sivasankar for their role in enhancing services. The Chief Minister advised that MTC continue to improve frequency, promote digital ticketing, and focus on passengers' needs to ensure consistent and safe service for all.”
Commuters ride the city's public network
Recognised at the UMI Conference
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said a city’s living standards are reflected in the reliability and quality of its public transport. Viewed in this aspect, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Ltd., was improving the amenities for safe travel and ensuring last mile connectivity, he indicated. “Congratulations to @MtcChennai, which has been awarded as the city with the best public transport system in India, and to the honorable @sivasankar1ss, who is taking charge of the department and leading it,” the Chief Minister said in a post on the social media platform ‘X’ lauding the state Transport Minister for his sustained efforts. He wished the MTC, which is improving day by day with last mile connectivity, safe travel even at midnight, digital ticketing systems, low-floor electric buses, to continue to operate buses at regular intervals, knowing the needs of passengers.MTC Chennai was conferred the national award for “City with the Best Public Transport System” at Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference 2025, Gurugram, Haryana, on November 9. The award was presented by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal, in the presence of Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, to Transport Minister S S Sivasankar, and Managing Director, MTC, T Prabhushankar. The MTC Chennai, one of India’s largest government-operated bus transport agencies, was selected for this national recognition in acknowledgment of its significant initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility, inclusiveness, and environmental sustainability in Chennai’s public transport system.
Investing in cleaner, sustainable transport
Extensive route network with services on over 660 routes, covering Chennai and its suburban areas, launch of 'Vidiyal Payanam' enabling free bus travel for women, along with the dedicated school bus service scheme, under which exclusive buses with on-campus pick-up and drop facilities ensuring safe and reliable transport for school students, were some of the features, a release here said. “Increased adoption of digital payments through Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) in all buses, enabling payments via National Common Mobility Card, UPI, and credit/debit cards, introduction of the Chennai One app, enabling a multimodal journey planner and allowing passengers to use a single ticket to travel across MTC buses, and Chennai Metro Rail, and Suburban Rail, were among the other highlights, it said.
Serving millions of Chennai commuters daily