MTC to bring on board pvt players to operate premium bus services

Transport dept grants approval; move aims to curb reliance on cars for commute inside city

- B ANBUSELVAN @Chennai

CHENNAI commuters will soon have air-conditioned Volvo and Mercedes-Benz buses, with premium facilities and fares, operated by private companies. The transport department has accorded approval to a proposal by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) in this regard to hire private buses through a revenue-sharing model and permit their operation on select routes where MTC is operating its buses.

These premium buses will offer free Wi-Fi, have surveillance cameras, spacious seating, ample legroom, ergonomic designs for enhanced comfort, temperature control systems, reduced noise levels, and panoramic windows. They will be introduced on the routes that have higher demand in the city.