Madras Day | The buses that drove Madras into Chennai, a cosmopolitan city
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation or MTC, as it is more commonly known, has gone through many changes in its decades-long existence. Despite the ups and downs, it has remained a constant fixture in the lives of many a resident, helping them get around the city with its ever-growing fleet, and becoming a model for the entire country for its implementation of social initiatives, such as…
Madras Day commemorates the transformation of the city from Madras to Chennai, a shift attributed to the evolution of its public bus service, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC). Initially known as the Pallavan Transport Corporation (PTC), the MTC has undergone numerous changes since its inception in 1967. Initially monopolizing the city's public transportation, private services began to emerge, impacting the city's movement during strikes or bandhs.
Over the years, the MTC has expanded from a fleet of 30 buses to nearly 3,500, with 34 termini, four workshops, eight fitness certificate units, and two tyre plants. In its quest to improve accessibility, the MTC has introduced low-floor buses, but maintenance and road conditions remain issues. Despite challenges, the MTC has played a crucial role in emergencies, including floods, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 lockdowns.
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