A recent study conducted by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) has revealed that only 36% of Chennai's population enjoys frequent bus connectivity and resides within a five-minute walk to the nearest bus stop. The study recommends that the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) introduce additional routes, more buses, and feeder services to enhance last-mile connectivity.
Priority Areas Identified
The NGO analyzed the city's population against the existing MTC operational area and identified seven localities as priority areas where MTC needs to improve operations. These areas include Ambattur, Sholinganallur, Kolathur, Perambur, Villivakkam, Maduravoyal, and Anna Nagar. These regions have interior residential pockets that are not adequately served by public transport.
J Sivasubramaniam, Deputy Director of ITDP, stated, "If a person has to walk more than 800 meters to catch a bus or use other public transport, they might prefer a personal vehicle or look for other modes of commute. Therefore, MTC should introduce small buses to cover these areas."
Current Public Transport Scenario
Currently, MTC operates 687 bus routes across Chennai, catering to 31.27 lakh passengers, which accounts for 72.4% of overall ridership. The suburban rail network serves 9 lakh passengers (20.8%), and the metro rail carries 2.91 lakh passengers (6.8%). While 61% of the city's population can access at least one public transport mode within walking distance, 46% have access to high-frequency transport corridors. Metro accessibility is projected to rise from 9.5% to 23% with the completion of Phase II.
MTC's Response
MTC officials have stated that they will focus on the identified areas and introduce small buses soon. An MTC official said, "We have floated tenders for 520 small and mini buses. The 220 mini buses will be exclusively deployed to improve first and last mile connectivity to metro train stations, while the 300 small buses will be deployed in the seven areas to create access to the nearby bus stops."
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