Fri Nov 21 23:29:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article formatted version:
Summary:
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) in Chennai, India, launched its “Bus First Campaign” on Friday, November 21, 2025, with the goal of increasing bus ridership by promoting awareness among motorists to give priority to buses. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the initiative, which is a collaboration between the MTC, ITDP, and the Greater Chennai Traffic Police. Cricketer Thirush Kamini is the campaign’s brand ambassador. The campaign aims to foster respect for public transport and encourage a shift in behavior among private vehicle users. While welcomed by transport activists, some motorists have raised concerns about MTC bus drivers adhering to traffic rules.
News Article:
Chennai Launches “Bus First” Campaign to Boost Public Transport
Chennai, India – November 22, 2025 – The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) launched its “Bus First Campaign” yesterday in an effort to improve bus patronage and promote a more sustainable transport ecosystem in Chennai. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin officially inaugurated the campaign, emphasizing the vital role of public transport in urban mobility.
The initiative, a collaboration between the MTC, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), and the Greater Chennai Traffic Police, seeks to raise awareness among motorists about the importance of prioritizing buses on city roads. With no dedicated bus lanes currently in place, the campaign aims to foster respect for public transport and encourage a behavioral shift among private vehicle users.
Cricketer Thirush Kamini has been named as the campaign’s brand ambassador and features in a promotional video highlighting the benefits of giving way to buses, enabling thousands of commuters to reach their destinations on time.
“Public transport is the backbone of our city,” stated a senior MTC official. “This campaign is about reimaging our road culture by fostering trust in public transport and prompting changes that will benefit everyone.”
While transport activists have welcomed the initiative, some motorists have raised concerns about the need for MTC bus drivers to consistently adhere to traffic regulations. “Drivers sometimes jump signals and use their horns excessively,” noted A. Raghavan, a regular bus commuter. “These issues need to be addressed to truly encourage the public to choose buses as their preferred mode of transportation.”
The “Bus First Campaign” represents a significant step towards creating a more efficient and sustainable transport system in Chennai. Whether it can achieve its goals of improving road culture and increasing bus ridership remains to be seen.
First Piper 