Previously, the minimum age for both free travel and seat reservation on government buses was three years. Despite the recent announcement of free travel for children up to five years old in eight transport undertakings, the minimum age for seat reservation has been retained at three years. This decision aims to accommodate long-distance commuters who wish to reserve seats for their young children.
Children aged 13 years and below are still required to pay 50% of the bus fare when reserving tickets for State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) buses. The transport department issued verbal instructions to depot managers in September, aligning with the transport minister’s announcement in the Assembly last year. These instructions directed depot managers not to collect ticket fares for children below the age of five. Recently, a Government Order (G.O.) was issued to officially reflect this directive.
This new policy revision brings relief to parents traveling with young children, as they can now enjoy the convenience of free travel for their kids below five years old. It also encourages more families to choose public transportation for their journeys, promoting sustainable travel options and reducing traffic congestion on the roads.
The transport department remains committed to improving the overall travel experience for passengers and continuously evaluates policies to better serve the public. With the updated children’s bus travel policy, families can plan their trips more easily and affordably, creating memorable experiences while exploring the beauty of Tamil Nadu.
