Successive holidays lead to 50 percent hike in omnibus fares
Posted on: 04/Sep/2016 6:49:09 PM
Due to successive holidays coming together, the fares for the omnibus travel is up by 50 percent. Thus, the passenger public is put to great hardship.
Around 3000 omnibuses are operated throughout Tamil Nadu.
Around 1000 omnibuses operate daily from Chennai Metro City to other places. Unlike the state transport corporation buses, a fixed fare is not set for these omnibuses. So, whenever there is a hike in diesel price, the fare for the omnibus travel also goes up.
With the festival of Vinayakar Chathurthi falling on Monday (5th September), many public and private sector offices and companies have declared 3 successive holidays from 3rd September (Saturday) to 5th September (Monday, Vinayakar Chathurthi).
With 3 successive holidays, many persons have planned travel to their native places and left yesterday (3rd September). So, crowds were seen thronging in the trains and buses.
Some omnibuses exploited this surging crowd of travellers and charged 50 percent extra for the fare. So, the passengers were put to great hardship.
Chennai-Tirunelveli omnibus fare was Rs. 900/ (Rs. 1200/- for air-conditioned buses)-. Chennai-Coimbatore fare was Rs. 900/- (air-conditioned buses Rs. 1100/-). Chennai-Madurai fare was Rs. 800/- (Rs. 1000/- for air-conditioned buses). Some omnibuses even charged more according to their convenience.
Some passengers shared their views that whenever the diesel price goes up, the omnibus fares also go up. However, when the diesel price reduces, the fare will not be reduced. Earlier, they used to increase the fare only during festival seasons. This time, they are exploiting the 3 successive holidays and raising the fares. So, the state government must intervene and fix the fares for omnibuses.
When the officials of the office of the transport collector were enquired about this, they informed that they have been receiving complaints that omnibuses increase fares as and when they please. These complaints have been forwarded to the state government. Only the state government can take action on this.
