Introduction Vetri Payanam Thittam is an expanded free bus travel initiative announced by the Government of Tamil Nadu for women and transgender persons. The scheme aims to reduce transportation expenses and improve access to employment, education, healthcare, and other essential services. The enhanced facility is scheduled to be implemented from 2 October 2026. The scheme is an extension of the existing Vidiyal Payanam Thittam, which has provided free travel on eligible government buses since 2021. Under the expanded version, beneficiaries will be able to travel free in additional categories of government-operated buses across urban, metropolitan, mofussil, and hill regions. The Tamil Nadu Government has also announced the launch of the Annapoorani Super Six Scheme, which aims to provide LPG cylinder assistance to eligible families. Benefits Free travel facility in eligible government-operated bus services. Coverage extended to Express buses in metropolitan and urban areas. Free travel available in LSS (Limited Stop Service) buses. Deluxe government buses included under the expanded scheme. Free travel in ordinary-fare buses operating in mofussil and hill regions. Coverage extended to eligible inter-district bus services. Available to women and transgender persons. No income limit for availing the benefit. No restriction on the number of journeys. Helps reduce daily commuting expenses. Eligibility Women residents of Tamil Nadu are eligible. Transgender persons can also avail the benefit. No income criteria have been prescribed. There is no limit on the number of trips. Travel must be undertaken in government bus services covered under the scheme. Documents Aadhaar Card Residence Proof Any Government-issued Photo Identity Card Process to Apply No separate application or registration process has been prescribed under the scheme. Eligible beneficiaries can board the notified government buses directly. Carry a valid identity proof while travelling. Show the identity document if requested by the conductor or transport staff. After verification, a zero-fare ticket will be issued. The facility can be used only in bus categories covered under the scheme. Vetri Payanam Thittam vs Vidiyal Payanam Thittam Feature Vidiyal Payanam Thittam Vetri Payanam Thittam Coverage Mainly ordinary-fare government buses Expanded coverage across additional bus categories Express Buses Not covered Covered in metropolitan and urban areas LSS Buses Not covered Included under the expanded facility Deluxe Buses Not covered Eligible from 2 October 2026 Mofussil & Hill Routes Limited coverage Ordinary-fare buses and eligible inter-district services covered Journey Limit Existing facility No restriction on number of journeys Contact Information Dedicated helpline details for Vetri Payanam Thittam have not been announced yet. FAQs Q1. What is Tamil Nadu Vetri Payanam Thittam?It is an expanded free bus travel scheme that allows women and transgender persons to travel free in eligible government-operated bus services. Q2. When will the expanded scheme start?The expanded Vetri Payanam Thittam is scheduled to be implemented from 2 October 2026. Q3. Who can avail the benefits of the scheme?Women and transgender persons travelling in eligible government buses can avail the facility. Q4. Is there any income limit?No. The scheme does not prescribe any income ceiling for beneficiaries. Q5. Are unlimited journeys allowed?Yes. Beneficiaries can make unlimited journeys in covered bus services. Q6. Are Express buses included under the scheme?Yes. Express buses in metropolitan and urban areas are covered under the expanded facility. Q7. Are Deluxe buses eligible for free travel?Yes. Deluxe government buses in eligible areas are included from 2 October 2026. Q8. Is online registration required?No. Beneficiaries do not need to submit any online or offline application. Q9. What documents should passengers carry?Passengers should carry an Aadhaar Card or any valid government-issued identity proof. Q10. Is the scheme different from Vidiyal Payanam Thittam?Yes. Vetri Payanam Thittam expands the existing free travel facility by covering additional categories of government bus services.