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The Tamil Nadu government has confirmed continuation of the free bus pass scheme for school and college students from this academic year. Until passes are issued for 2026–27, students can travel free by wearing uniforms or showing ID cards. Authorities have been deployed to monitor transport operations and ensure student safety as schools and colleges reopen from June 4.

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has said that it will continue to implement the free bus pass scheme for school and college students in the state from this year. The Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had informed the assembly that his government will continue to implement existing welfare schemes, launched by previous regimes.

State Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban, in a statement on Saturday, said schools across Tamil Nadu will reopen from June 4 and subsequently government arts and science colleges, government dental colleges, and government industrial training institutes are also scheduled to reopen.

Noting that for the academic year 2026–27, free bus passes for students will be issued at their educational institutions, the Minister said, "arrangements are being made through the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations."

Taking into account the time required for issuing free bus passes, students are permitted to travel to and from their schools without payment, provided they wear their uniforms, he added.