What type of public transport person are you? Train person or a bus person?

When it comes to public transport, people tend to fall into two categories: train enthusiasts and bus devotees. Personally, I’ve always been a train person. If you’ve read my previous posts, you’ll know that traveling on suburban trains, especially the route from Tambaram to Beach station, has been my go-to therapy. Whether I’m happy, sad, or just introspective, the rhythmic chug of the train has been a constant companion, teaching me life’s lessons along the way.

But there’s a downside. Suburban train routes don’t cover every part of the city, leaving some areas unexplored unless you brave the bus system—a challenge I’m still getting used to until Chennai Metro Rail came. For years, I felt that some parts of Chennai like Vadapalan and Anna Nagar were as distant as my hometown, Tuticorin, all because I preferred trains over buses.

The Chennai Metro: Connecting the Unconnected

Enter the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), a game-changer for the city’s transport system. Launched five years ago, the Metro has linked parts of Chennai that were previously hard to reach by suburban trains. While it’s not as budget-friendly as the suburban trains or buses, the Metro offers a cleaner, faster, and more reliable mode of transport. And let’s face it, sometimes convenience is worth the extra cost.

The Metro became so popular that it was more than just transportation; it became a trendy experience. Instagram was flooded with #ChennaiMetro posts, and everyone seemed to be talking about it. I, however, was late to the party. My first Metro ride was during the Jallikattu protests, but I was too unwell to enjoy it. That memory is hazy, but the significance of the Metro in my life is not.

Exploring Chennai, One Metro Stop at a Time

From late 2018, the Metro became my most frequent ride, especially when I started attending Spanish classes. One day, after a disappointing class, I decided to skip the lesson and just travel aimlessly on the Metro. Without realizing it, I got off at Shenoy Nagar station and decided to explore the area. A quick chat with a staff member led me to Skywalk Mall, where I spent a few hours before heading home.

Since then, I’ve often found myself riding the Metro with no specific destination in mind. Whether it’s to Vadapalani’s Forum Vijaya Mall, Thirumangalam’s VR Mall, or random stops like Washermanpet and Egmore, I’ve seen more of Chennai thanks to the Metro. Walking from the station to my destination has also helped me remember routes better, making me feel more connected to the city. Moreover for the past two years I have been taking Metro for my work. And it is also the place me and my friend made so much of first time memories. Something I’ll be remembering for my lifetime.

The Metro Experience: Smooth Rides and Friendly Faces

CMRL stations are among the most well-managed places in the city, from security to staff interactions. Sure, you might encounter a few naggers, but for the most part, the staff are polite and helpful. Over the years, I’ve accumulated countless memories on the Metro, meeting fascinating people and witnessing beautiful moments. Traveling alone allows you to do more than just see—you observe.

I’m a bit clumsy by nature, often forgetting things in trains or stations. One day, after attending a travel fair, I left a bag full of brochures on the Metro.

So, I went to one of the staff and informed about my situation. I was taken to control room, which is usually located in the middle of the metro station ground floor. I spoke with another staff who was in-charge over there, gave all the details about the lost bag. And immediately they took action. They contacted the in-charge in the Airport station for the bag. As the train went earlier, it was already left from the Airport station. She immediately asked another in-charge to go and get the bag from the train(the one where I left my bag) which was about to arrive in a few minutes. They politely asked me to wait for few more minutes. And voila, I got my bag. I was happy, I felt so proud of learning something new. I had some procedures like signing documents and showing identification proofs etc… and I was also given some lecture😂. So, if you ever come across such kind of situations, never hesitate to reach out to them. (Note: My bag has only papers that’s why it survived😅).. There might be many unfortunate incidents prone to happen too. But, I find they are trying their best to manage compared to other transportation facilities.

You have lots of food stalls in most of the metro station where you can grab something and relax for a while. Chennai Central Metro Station and Airport Metro station is the best stop if you wanna have metro date.

Traveling Alone: Tips for Solivagants

Traveling alone, especially as a woman, can be intimidating. I’ve had my share of uncomfortable encounters, but I’ve also met kind strangers who restored my faith in humanity. Here are some tips for solo travelers:

When you travel alone:

1. Carry enough money: Ensure you have enough cash or a fully loaded Metro card.
2. Keep your phone charged: A charged phone is your best friend in emergencies.
3. Inform someone: Always let a friend or family member know where you’re going.
4. Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
5. Ignore the stares: Don’t let others’ judgmental looks bother you.

My journey with the Metro is a mix of necessity and choice. While I often travel alone because my friends aren’t allowed to join, or my family isn’t interested, the independence it gives me is priceless. The Metro has made local travel easier and more enjoyable, turning me into a true solivagant—someone who finds solace in solitary wandering.

Do you like to ride the metro trains too? Tell me about any incident you remember so well or anything you always reminded about Metro rides.

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