Chennai: As many as 3,365 students from corporation and government-aided schools used Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s exclusive free school buses on Monday, the first day of the expanded initiative.The buses pick up students from designated points near their neighbourhoods and drop them inside school campuses, reducing dependence on crowded regular MTC services during peak hours.MTC was already operating 25 such buses. The facility has now been extended to 44 more schools across the city and suburbs, bringing more students under the scheme.Saidapet MLA Arul Prakasam flagged off some services in his constituency on Monday and travelled with students on one of the buses.MTC managing director D Mohan said girls made up about 80% of the beneficiaries on the first day. “We expect more students to use the facility in the coming days. At least 4,200 students can commute comfortably using these exclusive buses,” he said.MTC is reimbursed through the subsidy linked to student passes issued to schoolchildren. Though bus crews did not insist on passes on Monday, officials said the rule would be enforced later to ensure only students use the buses and to prevent untoward incidents.
