Chennai commuters travelling by Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses were left stranded and inconvenienced on Monday (16 February 2026) after an unexpected server failure crippled the corporation’s electronic ticketing infrastructure in the city.
Due to the technical snag, ETMs used by conductors became temporarily unavailable, affecting regular ticket issuance. As an interim arrangement, conductors issued manual pre-printed tickets to passengers until the system is restored.
The disruption also affected passengers relying on digital payment modes. MTC said UPI transactions, National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC), and debit and credit card payments could not be accepted at present. The Chennai One app, which facilitates digital ticketing and related services, also remained inaccessible, impacting commuters who use the platform.
The corporation requested passengers to carry cash while availing bus services and expressed regret over the inconvenience caused. It added that technical teams are working to resolve the issue.
MTC clarified that online bus ticket bookings were operating normally and that users of the Chennai One app could continue to book tickets and travel without disruption. Passengers who had purchased ₹1,000 and ₹2,000 bus passes through the app were allowed to travel by entering the OTP. In case of any technical error, commuters were advised to show the valid bus pass displayed on the app to the conductor and continue their journey.
🚨 Public Announcement – Metropolitan Transport Corporation, Chennai.
Due to an unexpected server issue today, Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) are temporarily unavailable with our conductors.
Passengers are requested to note that conductors will issue manual (pre-printed)… pic.twitter.com/3bIVXiPwm9
— MTC Chennai (@MtcChennai) February 16, 2026
Source: DT Next
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
