CHENNAI: Private bus operators have given an assurance that they will cooperate with transport authorities and the police to ensure excess fares are not levied during the Deepawali season. The government has strongly recommended a fixed rate per kilometre. Most private operators have not, in the past, complied with such fare regulations on weekends and around peak-seasons, which is why this assurance comes as welcome news to inter-city commuters.
Speaking to Express, A Afzal, President of Tamil Nadu Omni Bus Operators Association said a maximum ceiling for bus fares in all sectors has been fixed. “While operators can charge up to Rs 2.50 for AC and berth coaches for every kilometre per passenger, a maximum of Rs 1.75 fare has been set for non-AC buses,” Afzal said. “If there are such instances (of excess fares) being reported, we will not interfere when the bus concerned is seized,” Afzal added.
A Pandian, President of All Omni Bus Owners and Operators’ Association, said that, in the past, while there was no fixed charge set for omni buses, this time around they have arrived at a common fare. His association, which is an umbrella body of all single and small bus operators, has fixed Rs 850 (AC sleeper) and Rs 1,100 (non-AC sleeper) for Tiruchy, Salem and Nagapattinam, Rs 935 (non-AC sleeper) and Rs 1,200 (AC sleeper) for Madurai and Coimbatore.