In a significant move to support school-going children, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) Trichy zone has rolled out a free dedicated bus service for students. This initiative, launched on four specific routes, allows students to travel without any cost during the crucial morning and evening school hours.
Ministers Flag Off the Student-Friendly Initiative
The new service was formally inaugurated at separate events held at Anna Nagar, Thiruverumbur bus stand, Kattur, and Palpannai bus stops. Transport Minister S S Sivasankar and School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi jointly flagged off the buses. Notably, all launch locations fall within Minister Poyyamozhi's constituency, marking the fulfillment of a local request.
Four Key Routes for Easy Commute
The free student bus service will operate on four designated routes connecting residential areas to major schools. The routes are carefully planned to cover key institutions:
- Anna Nagar to Mukkulathor Higher Secondary School (Thiruverumbur)
- Thiruverumbur bus stand to Viscountess Goschen Govt Girls Higher Secondary School
- Pappakurichi to Syed Murtaza Govt Higher Secondary School (Marakkadai)
- Ariyamangalam to Govt Higher Secondary School (Theppakulam)
These buses, painted in distinctive colours for easy identification, will have a dual role. They will pick up and drop off students from designated stops specifically during school rush hours. For the remainder of the day, they will operate on their normal routes, serving the general public.
A Scheme Set for Expansion
Speaking at the inauguration, Transport Minister Sivasankar highlighted that the free bus facility was first introduced in Chennai and is now being extended to Trichy to make commuting easier for students. He assured that the scheme will be closely monitored and expanded gradually across other constituencies based on demand and success.
"Buses are being operated based on student strength in schools and colleges, with additional services being introduced accordingly," Minister Sivasankar told reporters. This indicates a data-driven approach where routes and frequency may be adjusted based on actual usage and need.
The inauguration events were also attended by District Collector V Saravanan and TNSTC Pudukottai General Manager K. Mohamed Nazar, among other officials, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this public welfare project.
This initiative is expected to significantly ease the financial burden on families and ensure a safer, more reliable commute for thousands of students in Trichy, promoting better access to education.
