Chennai commuters will soon have the option of traveling in luxury with air-conditioned Volvo and Mercedes-Benz buses featuring free Wi-Fi, extra legroom, CCTV surveillance, and low noise levels.
According to The New Indian Express, the Chennai Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has received approval from the state transport department to allow private operators to run premium buses on high-demand routes. These services will operate under a revenue-sharing model, where private players can use MTC`s depots, parking facilities, and infrastructure for a fee. The buses will carry logos of both MTC and the private service provider.
Details regarding the number of buses, routes, fares expected to be higher than MTC’s existing AC buses and fuel type are yet to be finalized. An official stated that the project`s implementation plan is currently being worked out.
In June 2024, State Transport Minister SS Sivasankar announced the introduction of premium bus services with superior amenities to boost public transport usage and reduce pollution.