5 MTC bus depots to be equipped to handle e-buses

WITH the plan to procure 500 low-floor electric buses for the city reaching its final stage, the MTC is preparing to equip the diesel bus depots at Perumbakkam, Chromepet, Tondiarpet, Semmencherry, and KK Nagar to carry out maintenance activities of e-buses.

- B ANBUSELVAN

Diesel buses of these places will be relocated to newly-developed depots. The MTC is also finalising tenders to determine the per-kilometre price to be paid to e-bus operators under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model.

In the GCC model, service providers own, operate, and maintain e-buses for a fixed rate and contract duration. The MTC will set the bus routes and collect fares, while the service provider will receive a predetermined fee per kilometre.