Magalir Urimai Thogai — which buses are actually free for women
Free travel applies to Ordinary buses only. Here's what the colour code on the bus tells you and how to avoid being charged on the wrong service.
The Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme makes Ordinary state buses free for women across Tamil Nadu. But not every bus is Ordinary — and you'll be charged on the others.
How to tell at a glance
- Ordinary: white-and-green livery, no "AC" / "EXPRESS" / "DELUXE" board
- Express: white with a blue strip — fare applies
- Deluxe / Semi-Deluxe: yellow strip — fare applies
- AC: white-and-blue, large AC logo — fare applies
- SETC inter-state: anything going outside Tamil Nadu — fare applies
What to carry
No ID needed for the free travel itself, but conductors sometimes ask. Carrying any government ID (Aadhaar, voter ID) makes the interaction easier.
If you're charged on an Ordinary
Get a ticket and complain to TNSTC grievance with the bus number and ticket photo. Refunds typically come through in two weeks.
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