Public SystemsDEPLOYDeployed
Tamil Nadu launched Vettri Payanam, expanding no-fare bus travel for women
Chennai, Tamil Nadu2 Oct 2026
On 2026-10-02, Tamil Nadu launched the ‘Vettri Payanam’ scheme at the Koyambedu bus terminus in Chennai, expanding no-fare bus travel for women and transgender persons across additional bus service categories. The State said 12,695 buses under seven State Transport Corporations have been brought under the scheme, with 1,68,500 single trips to be operated; it will not be implemented in Chengalpattu and Tiruppur districts due to Model Code of Conduct restrictions for bypolls.
Why it matters
The launch expands access to zero-fare public transport for eligible passengers across more bus services, reducing day-to-day travel cost barriers at scale.
Government of Tamil NaduTamil Nadu State Transport Corporations