School commute to get easier in Chennai as Tamil Nadu adds 41 new buses from today

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has launched 41 new special school buses across Chennai from 13 July, expanding dedicated transport services for school students. Operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), the new buses are intended to reduce congestion on regular public buses and improve the safety and comfort of students during their daily commute.

According to the MTC, the additional buses will operate on 84 routes and make 134 trips every day, connecting residential areas with schools across the city during morning and evening peak hours.

Why the new buses were introduced

The expansion comes after concerns over overcrowding on regular MTC buses used by schoolchildren. The government said the dedicated services will help students travel more safely while easing pressure on existing public transport.

The new services are expected to benefit thousands of students who rely on public buses to travel between their homes and schools.

Decision followed a field survey

The initiative was based on a 10-day field survey carried out by transport officials in Saidapet and other parts of Chennai where large numbers of students depend on public buses.

During the assessment, officials interacted with students, parents, teachers and school authorities to study travel patterns, identify overcrowded routes and determine where dedicated school bus services were most needed.

The expansion gained momentum after Saidapet MLA Arul Prakasam submitted a representation to Transport Minister A. Vijay Tamilan Parthiban on 30 June, seeking improved transport facilities for school students.

Based on the survey findings and public feedback, the Tamil Nadu government approved the addition of 41 special school buses to the existing network.

MTC plans further expansion if needed

Before this expansion, MTC operated 25 dedicated school buses, serving 25 educational institutions with 50 daily trips.

With the introduction of the new buses, the corporation said it will continue monitoring passenger demand and may introduce additional school special services on more routes if required.

The buses were inspected by the Transport Minister and MTC Managing Director T. Mohan before entering service on Monday.