Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay Travels by Government Bus, Purchases Ticket Like a Regular Passenger

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay drew public attention on Thursday by travelling in a government-operated city bus after launching 300 new buses for the state's public transport network.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the new fleet of buses introduced by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) for six regions, including Chennai and Coimbatore, as part of efforts to strengthen public transportation services across the state.

Following the launch event at the Secretariat in Chennai, Vijay boarded a Route 29A government bus operating from the Secretariat area. Before beginning his journey, he congratulated the driver and conductor and expressed appreciation for their service.

In a gesture that attracted considerable attention, the Chief Minister purchased a ticket from the conductor by paying the fare himself, just like any other passenger. He then took a seat at the front of the bus and interacted with transport staff during the journey.

Vijay also invited the conductor to sit beside him for a brief conversation, during which he enquired about the challenges, responsibilities, and day-to-day experiences of transport employees.

Later, the Chief Minister moved to a seat near the driver's cabin and recorded videos of the journey on his mobile phone, capturing scenes of commuters and members of the public gathered along the route.

The bus travelled from the Secretariat towards the Lighthouse area in Chennai before returning to the Secretariat on the same route. Throughout the journey, passengers and onlookers welcomed the Chief Minister's decision to experience public transportation firsthand.

The launch of 300 new buses is expected to enhance connectivity, improve passenger comfort, and strengthen public transport services in major cities and districts across Tamil Nadu. The Chief Minister's bus journey highlighted the government's focus on public transportation while also providing an opportunity to directly interact with transport workers and understand their concerns.

The event quickly gained attention among commuters and on social media, with many praising the Chief Minister's decision to travel alongside ordinary passengers and engage with frontline transport staff.