MTC bags national award for best public transport system – The Times of India

Report on Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) Chennai’s National Award for Best Public Transport System

Award Recognition and Context

• Recipient: Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) Chennai
• Award: “City with the Best Public Transport System”
• Awarding Body: Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
• Event: UMI Conference 2025

Key Initiatives and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

MTC Chennai was selected for the national award in recognition of several key initiatives that align directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1. Promotion of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

   The implementation of free bus travel for women and a dedicated school bus service scheme were highlighted as significant achievements.

   • SDG 5 (Gender Equality): The free travel scheme enhances women’s mobility, safety, and access to economic and educational opportunities, directly contributing to gender equality.
   • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): These initiatives ensure that public transport is inclusive and accessible to vulnerable populations, including women and children.

2. Commitment to Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action

   The deployment of electric buses was a critical factor, contributing to reduced emissions and advancing the city’s green mobility objectives.

   • SDG 13 (Climate Action): By transitioning to electric vehicles, MTC is actively reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
   • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): This initiative helps reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of the city by improving air quality.

3. Technological Innovation and Infrastructure Modernization

   The corporation has increased the adoption of digital payments through Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs), enabling transactions via the National Common Mobility Card, UPI, and credit/debit cards, complemented by the introduction of the Chennai One app.

   • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): This demonstrates a commitment to building resilient and modern infrastructure that enhances efficiency and user experience in public services.

4. Creation of Sustainable and Accessible Urban Transport

   MTC’s extensive network, covering 660 routes across Chennai and its suburban areas, ensures broad access to public transportation.

   • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): This comprehensive coverage is fundamental to Target 11.2, which aims to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • The article highlights the “launch of free bus travel for women” as a key initiative by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC). This policy directly addresses gender equality by improving women’s mobility, access to economic opportunities, education, and public services, thereby reducing a potential financial barrier.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • The adoption of modern technology to upgrade the public transport infrastructure is a central theme. The article mentions the “increased adoption of digital payments through Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs), enabling payments via National Common Mobility Card, UPI, and credit/debit cards,” and the “introduction of the Chennai One app.” These innovations represent a move towards developing quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The award for “City with the best public transport System” directly relates to creating sustainable urban environments. The article supports this with examples like “covering 660 routes across Chennai and its suburban areas” to provide access to transport, the “deployment of electric buses” for sustainable transport, and special services like “free bus travel for women” and “dedicated school bus service,” which cater to the needs of vulnerable populations.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • The article explicitly mentions initiatives aimed at combating climate change. The “deployment of electric buses” is a direct measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from public transport. This is further reinforced by the stated goals of “contributing to reduced emissions and advancing the city’s green mobility objectives.”

Identified SDG Targets

1. Target 5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.

   • The “launch of free bus travel for women” is a specific policy implemented by the city to empower women by enhancing their mobility and reducing their transportation costs, directly aligning with this target.

2. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.

   • The article’s content directly supports this target. The expansion of public transport is shown by “covering 660 routes.” Special attention to vulnerable groups is demonstrated through the “free bus travel for women” and the “dedicated school bus service scheme.” The move towards electric buses and digital payments contributes to a more accessible and sustainable system.

3. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.

   • The “deployment of electric buses” is a direct action to improve urban air quality by “contributing to reduced emissions.” This initiative is a key strategy for mitigating the negative environmental impact of urban transportation.

Mentioned or Implied Indicators

1. Indicator related to Target 11.2 (Access to Public Transport):

   • While the official indicator (11.2.1) measures the proportion of the population with convenient access, the article provides qualitative and quantitative data that serves as a proxy. The mention of “covering 660 routes across Chennai and its suburban areas” is a direct indicator of the extent and reach of the public transport network.

2. Indicator related to Target 11.6 (Air Quality):

   • The article implies progress towards improving air quality. The statement about electric buses “contributing to reduced emissions” serves as a qualitative indicator of actions being taken to lower urban air pollution, which is measured by official indicators like annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

3. Indicator related to Target 5.c (Policies for Gender Equality):

   • The article points to the existence of a specific policy aimed at gender equality. The “launch of free bus travel for women” is a clear, implemented policy that can be used as an indicator of government action to empower women, aligning with the spirit of indicators that track legal and policy frameworks for gender equality.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com