Chennai’s new transport app, Chennai One, is all set to make your daily commute easier with one-tap tickets for buses, metro, and trains. But there’s a hitch—it’s not launching fully yet because autorickshaw fares haven’t been updated in over a decade. This delay has left auto drivers frustrated and waiting for government action.
Developed by Namma Yatri for the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), the app—originally trialed as Anna Ride back in June—promises seamless single-ticketing across MTC buses, Chennai Metro Rail, and suburban EMU trains. It even plans to add last-mile rides via taxis and autorickshaws. Imagine booking everything from your phone without the hassle!
CUMTA officials say they’re just waiting for the Chief Minister’s nod to roll out the app and the city’s big mobility plan. The core single-ticketing part is ready to go, but the autorickshaw hailing feature? Not so fast. “We can’t run like private apps that set their own prices,” a senior official explained. “We need a government order for revised fares first to integrate autos properly.”
Auto unions are up in arms over this. The last fare hike happened way back in 2013, when it was Rs 25 for the first 1.8 km and Rs 12 for every extra km. With fuel prices soaring, plus higher insurance, RTO fees, and repair costs, drivers say these rates just don’t cut it anymore.
S. Balasubramanian, working president of Tamil Nadu Auto Thozhilalar Sammelanam, slammed the government’s slow pace. “Private ride-hailing services charge way more, but officials fear backlash from raising auto fares—even though they’ve hiked property taxes and electricity bills without a fuss. We just want a fair update that’s long overdue.”
This isn’t new drama. Back in February 2022, the Madras High Court ordered the state to revise autorickshaw fares. After talking to stakeholders, the Transport Commissioner suggested Rs 40 for the first 1.8 km and Rs 18 per additional km. But unions pushed back, demanding Rs 50 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 25 after that. Recommendations went to the government earlier this year, but nothing’s happened.
“It’s been three years since the court ruling, and costs keep climbing,” Balasubramanian added. “We need action now so both commuters and drivers get a fair, transparent system through the Chennai One app.”
Once fares get sorted, this integrated transport app could transform how Chennaiites travel. Stay tuned for updates on the launch!
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