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Private bus operators to double bus fares this week end on all high-demand routes
Posted on: 27/Aug/2014 11:16:16 AM
Private bus operators are making the most of the coming festive weekend by almost doubling bus fares on all high-demand routes.
A one-way AC bus ticket from Chennai to Bangalore on Thursday night costs Rs 1,300, whereas the same operator offers ticket at Rs 800 for the journey a day later. Similarly, Chennai-Madurai bus fare has shot up from Rs 400 to Rs 800.
Agents, offering alternative modes of transport like vans and cars, are swarming omni bus stands across the state.
In Coimbatore, omni bus owners have decidedto go for a 10% across the board hike citing increase in toll fee. “The toll fee was increased by 15% last week. Unless we increase fares, we cannot survive,’’ said M Stephen, president, Coimbatore Omni Bus Owners and Travels Association.
State transport officials say they cannot take action against bus operators because the government has not yet fixed fares for omni buses.
Last year helplines were set up and commuters were encouraged to make complaints.
“Transport minister had told operators not to charge exorbitant fares and had fixed a fare structure depending on the types of buses. There is no such exercise this year,” said the official.
