Chennai One App: Ride Bus, Metro, and Train for Just ₹1 with BHIM or Navi UPI

Chennai’s transport authorities have launched a novel initiative to encourage cashless, multi-modal commuting with the “Chennai One” app. 

Starting 13 November 2025, commuters can book a ticket for just ₹1 across Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses, the Chennai Metro and suburban rail services when paying via BHIM or Navi UPI.

Key Development

The campaign forms part of the city’s “One City, One App, One Ticket” vision, enabling digital ticketing and simplifying public transport access. The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) revealed that the fare scheme is valid for one journey per registered user account during the promotional period.

 Users first download or open the Chennai One app, select their travel destination, complete payment using BHIM or Navi UPI, and ride a bus, metro or train under the ₹1 fare.

As per the news reports, the app already had 5.5 lakh registered users, logged 14 lakh journey searches, and processed 8.1 lakh ticket bookings within its first month of launch in September 2025.

Insight and Impact

By reducing the fare to a token amount, the city hopes to shift more commuters to digital ticketing and integrated mobility, while also reducing cash handling and improving convenience. 

Read More: UPI Dominates Digital Payments, Hits 84% Share in FY25!

Conclusion

With the ₹1 fare offer via the Chennai One app, the city has taken a bold step toward making public transport simpler, digital-first and more accessible. As the campaign unfolds, it will be watched as a model for multi-modal integration and transport innovation in India.

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