Chennai: The city is set to become the first in the country to integrate all modes of public transport under a single digital platform with the launch of the ‘Chennai One’ app on Monday.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will unveil the app, developed by the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), during the authority’s second governing board meeting. He will also approve the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), a 25-year roadmap to guide Chennai’s transport strategies.
The CMP aims to ensure seamless connectivity, improve commuter convenience, and cut carbon emissions by strengthening public and non-motorised transport.
A key feature of the initiative is the ‘One City, One Ticket’ system, which allows passengers to use a single QR-enabled ticket across buses, metro trains, suburban rail, cabs and autorickshaws. Commuters will be able to switch between modes of transport without needing multiple tickets, saving time and reducing queues.
The app also provides real-time updates on bus and train arrivals and departures, helping commuters plan journeys more efficiently. Tickets can be purchased via UPI and other digital payment options, promoting cashless transactions and easing congestion at ticket counters.
To ensure inclusivity, the app supports multiple languages, including Tamil, English, Telugu and Kannada, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
Officials said the initiative is expected to enhance the commuter experience and encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport, thereby easing traffic and reducing emissions.
For a city managing millions of daily trips, the dual launch of the Chennai One app and CMP is being seen as a significant step towards modernizing urban mobility with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.