MTC introduces ‘retro rides’ in vintage bus fleet for Chennai commuters

Commuters in Chennai can now relish the experience of travelling in the vintage buses of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), which were operated in the 1980s.

The MTC has readied five vintage roadies, which have been upgraded with present-day technological features like digital boards that announce bus stops, for its city tour services, called ‘Chennai Ula’, for a standard fare of ₹50. Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar launched the vintage bus services at a function held at the Anna Square bus terminus on Wednesday (January 14, 2026). 

The hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour, to be operated for 30 km in a circle, will commence from Dr. MGR Chennai Central station and touch important landmarks in the city, including the Egmore railway station, War Memorial, Luz Corner, Santhome, Marina Beach, and Valluvarkottam. 

A senior official from the MTC said five buses have been modified with retro styling to give commuters the travel experience of the 1980s. The vintage bus services will be available on weekends and public holidays, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at an interval of 30 minutes. The services are available during weekdays too, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

A ticket for ₹50 is valid for the entire day. It can be purchased from the Chennai One app.