Public transportation in Chennai

i'm new here I only use tourist caps

Hi Armand...

You can use your private vehicles or go for public vehicles.

Traffic will be heavy during the peak hours (Morning 8am-11am and Evening 5pm-8pm).

If u want to use public vehicles both buses and trains will be rush due to the population during peak hours. But train is preferable because it will help you to reach your destination by time.

If u go by bus u will get crushed in the rush especially during peak hours. The rest of the time it will be moderate.

U can also use cars for transportation, u should really be a good driver to drive in Chennai traffic.

At present, train fare is much cheaper than bus fare.

Traffic depends upon the area in which u gonna travel, but in the main city traffic will be high in peak hours.

If you intend to use public transport such as Buses and Rickshaws the real problem will be that of language. Forget about Hindi they even don't use English and so it is really difficult to understand and get the right bus.

Thanks for the tips Naval Rungta!

Harmonie.

hey transportation systems of chennai is very good indeed..
buses,trains,auto etc are there to serve you..only language problem can be there but still we can manage it ...

Dear armand,

There are lot of buses almost reaching every nooks of the city and suburbs. Trains are also doing a wonderful job there - frequent and almost punctual. But huge rush in roads and trains at peak hours.

BUT BE CAREFUL WITH TAXIS AND AUTO-RIKSHAW (a kind of three wheeler like taxi). Most of them (more than 95%) are frauds, cheats, rash and rascals. Unless you are not accompanied by a local friend or you are not well aware about the place you want to go and route to there -they will charge you exorbitant rates - will ply through unnecessary routes here and there - they will never ply through the shortest route. But there are some good, decent and helpful drivers too.

Before starting the journey, fix the rate with them. Initially they will ask for a huge rate - especially from outsiders. You shall bargain - start from about 60% of the rate they have asked - and most probably they may agree up on 65% to 70% of their initial demand.

One more thing that while getting out of taxi, auto, train or bus ensure that you have not forgotten any of your belongings  - as once it is lost - it is lost for ever. Also beware of pickpockets in bus and trains.

These are facts that I tell you from my experience, but don't get afraid.

happy journey.

regards

Gopakumar

gopakumargovind@yahoo.co.in

Thanks for your help Gopakumar

Armand

ty armand

have a nice journey

looking forward to hear from you - your Chennai experiences.

regards

gopakumar

People in Chennai speaks very good english compared to people in Mumbai and Delhi.

And its not in Bus they write only in Marati or local language of tamil. So its not much tough to point out a bus to reach the destination.

galenjack wrote:

Chennai is rich in tradition, culture, values, virtues…and what more? you name them and we have them.Chennai like many captivating cities around the world offers the whole landscape as part of the experience. Chennai offers its visitors much more than delineated tourist attractions, the city is the destination.

Except the topic is transportation not advertising Tamil Nadu tourism. 

Never leave home without the destination phone number.  Most of the population does not speak English well and directions can be difficult.

The buses are well marked and plentiful but also crowded and dirty.  Be ready to move on and off the bus because they will not be waiting for you.

A lot of the transportation is done by shared autos.  Microscopic minivans that charge 5-10 for a short trip along a major route.  Hard to manage if you do not speak Tamil.

The auto-rickshaws in Chennai never use a meter.  Start at rs40 for anything within about 3 km and add rs 5-10/km from there depending on how well you can negotiate.  You will need to know a major landmark near your destination if you are going more than about 2 km.  They are experts in their little area but lost beyond that.  Remember that knowing your destination information is your responsibility.  They are just the driver.

When you are at an auto stand, where someone is getting paid off to run the line, (malls, stations, hotels) make sure you know what the fair price is.  Anyone on the street will tell you the correct price, as everyone hates the auto drivers.  If the line guys do not give you the right price, flag one down, they will gladly undercut the drivers waiting in the line.  Most important, stick to your guns, do not take any side trips, NEVER agree to stop somewhere for shopping.

You can use call taxis and they are fairly priced but not always prompt.  There is no such thing as a meter taxi you can just flag down.