100 new small buses to restore first and last-mile links
Chennai: To revive its long-neglected small bus network, the
Metropolitan Transport Corporation
(MTC) floated a fresh tender to procure 100 fully built
BS-VI diesel small buses
for the city.Launched in 2013 to provide critical first and last-mile connectivity in areas with narrow roads, the small bus scheme has been operating at less than half its capacity in recent years.
Most of the surviving fleet was relegated to function as Metrorail feeder services, leaving vast areas underserved.The tender, issued by the Institute of Road Transport, carries an estimated value of 34 crore and invites manufacturers to supply compact, 7m-long buses with a seating capacity of 24 to 28 passengers. The purchase is expected to significantly improve access to MTC services in interior localities where larger buses cannot ply due to road width constraints.The revival comes amid strong resistance from MTC to private minibus operations in recently added city areas such as Sholinganallur, Madhavaram, and Alandur, where demand for local connectivity is surging. MTC said that allowing private players could cut into its already thin small bus revenue, despite pressure from residents and local officials pushing for competitive options in areas currently underserved by state transport.For daily commuters, especially those in peripheral zones, the move could be a relief. "We end up paying 20–30 for a short ride in share autos or haggle with auto drivers just to reach the main road," said Sridevi, a domestic worker from Pallikaranai. "A regular small bus will save us money and time."
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