Chennai has introduced a groundbreaking digital initiative where commuters can now book their daily travel on metro, suburban trains, and Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses for just Re 1 using the Chennai One app. Officially launched on 22 September 2025 by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the app integrates ticketing and journey planning across major public transport modes in the city.
From 13 November 2025, the Tamil Nadu government began a special limited-period “One Rupee Ticket” offer, aiming to encourage more commuters to transition to seamless, cashless digital payments via UPI platforms such as BHIM UPI and Namma UPI. This offer covers a single journey on any one mode of transport and is aimed at familiarising commuters with the app’s multi-modal capabilities.
Official Vision and User Uptake
Tamil Nadu’s Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) Member-Secretary I. Jeyakumar described the Re 1 fare not just as a promotional offer but as a tool to revolutionise urban mobility by simplifying digital travel.
He said, “Chennai One is transforming how our city moves, and this fare helps everyone experience simple digital travel seamlessly across buses, metro, and trains.” Since the app’s launch in September, it has witnessed significant adoption, with over 5.5 lakh downloads, 14 lakh journey searches, and about 8.1 lakh tickets booked within just under two months.
Commuters appreciate the app’s unified QR-code ticketing system, which eliminates the need for multiple tickets or passes when travelling across different transport modes.=
Features Enhancing Urban Commuting
The Chennai One app provides more than just ticketing. It offers real-time tracking of buses, metro trains, and suburban rail services, enabling commuters to plan efficient routes by combining modes for door-to-door travel.
Additionally, it extends services to last-mile connectivity with options to book autos and rental cabs within the same platform, making the daily commute hassle-free and predictable. Designed as India’s first truly integrated urban transport app, it represents Tamil Nadu’s broader vision of “One City, One App, One Ticket” , aimed at increasing public transport usage, reducing congestion, and promoting environment-friendly travel.
Despite widespread appreciation for the Chennai One app’s ease of use and multi-modal integration, users have highlighted areas needing improvement. Some reported occasional glitches such as app freezes and inaccurate vehicle arrival times, which sometimes disrupted travel plans.
The app currently lacks clear differentiation for accessible buses, posing challenges for persons with disabilities. Authorities acknowledge these issues and have committed to ongoing updates, enhanced training for staff, and improving accessibility features to ensure a truly inclusive commuting experience.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Technology’s true promise is realised when it fosters inclusive access without leaving anyone behind. Chennai’s initiative to offer Re 1 tickets via an integrated digital platform exemplifies how innovation can uplift diverse urban populations by prioritising affordability and ease.
While digital inclusion challenges remain, the effort encourages wider digital literacy and sustainable commuting culture. The Logical Indian endorses such people-centric models that blend technology with social equity, urging other cities to adopt similar frameworks for inclusive urban mobility.
Vanakkam Chennai! Have you booked your 'Oru Rooba Ticket'? 🎉
— Chennai One (@Chennai_One) November 14, 2025
Book your Bus, Metro, or Suburban Train tickets for just ₹1 through the #ChennaiOne app ⚡️
Pay via @NPCI_BHIM Payments App or @navifinance
UPI 📷
Get your instant discount and ride for ₹1!
Limited period… pic.twitter.com/Y7tuabVoyX
