Why Are Omnibus Fares Soaring to Record Highs Across TN?
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Synopsis
As Deepavali approaches, passengers in Tamil Nadu face skyrocketing omnibus fares, with some routes charging nearly double the usual rates. Despite warnings from the Transport Department, operators cite rising costs and limited services as reasons for these increases. Authorities are taking action to ensure compliance and keep festive travel accessible.
Key Takeaways
- Omnibus fares have surged dramatically during Deepavali.
- State Transport Department is enforcing compliance.
- Operators cite rising operational costs as a reason.
- Passengers are encouraged to report overcharging.
- Booking in advance may help secure better rates.
Chennai, Oct 13 (NationPress) As the Deepavali travel season reaches its height, omnibus service providers throughout Tamil Nadu have markedly increased their prices, leaving travelers with few options but to endure inflated costs for their holiday trips.
Despite the State Transport Department's repeated cautions against fare hikes, prices on key routes from Chennai to the southern and western districts have nearly doubled. On various private booking sites, one-way tickets on the Chennai–Madurai route are being offered for as much as Rs 4,500, while tickets for Chennai-Tiruchy and Chennai-Coimbatore routes are priced at Rs 3,500 and Rs 3,000 respectively—significantly above normal.
According to the fare framework established between the state government and the Omnibus Associations in 2022, the sanctioned one-way rates range from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,980 for Chennai–Tiruchy, Rs 1,930 to Rs 3,070 for Chennai–Madurai, and Rs 1,730 to Rs 2,880 for Chennai–Coimbatore. However, fares for both inbound and outbound journeys from October 17 to 23 have soared across all routes as passengers scramble to secure holiday tickets.
The lack of direct services to certain destinations has exacerbated the issue, especially for those traveling to Tiruchy and smaller towns along the way to southern districts. Many buses are rerouted to Madurai or Tirunelveli, leading to higher charges for passengers on shorter routes based on longer-distance fares.
Operators have cited rising operational costs, including fuel and maintenance expenses, as reasons for the fare increases and are requesting a revision of the 2022 fare structure.
The Owners Association claims that the current chart only indicates maximum fares and any disputes can be addressed through their grievance mechanism.
Meanwhile, officials from the Transport Department have initiated statewide enforcement operations at major checkpoints, including toll plazas and city entry points like Madurai, Tiruchy, and Coimbatore.
Special monitoring teams have been established to check fare compliance and safety regulations.
Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar has stated that numerous cases of fare overcharging have already been reported, and Associations have been instructed to immediately revert fares to approved levels. Strict measures, including permit suspensions and fines, have been threatened against violators to ensure that festive travel remains affordable and safe for everyone.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize the need for both consumer protection and accountability within the transport sector. While operators cite rising costs, it is essential for regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with fare structures to maintain fairness for passengers. This situation warrants ongoing monitoring to balance operational viability with public accessibility.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have omnibus fares increased so much during Deepavali?
Omnibus operators have raised fares due to rising operational costs, including fuel prices and maintenance, coinciding with a surge in demand for travel during the festive season.
What are the approved fare limits for these routes?
The approved one-way fares range from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,980 for Chennai–Tiruchy, Rs 1,930 to Rs 3,070 for Chennai–Madurai, and Rs 1,730 to Rs 2,880 for Chennai–Coimbatore.
Is the government taking action against overcharging?
Yes, the Transport Department has implemented enforcement drives to monitor compliance with fare regulations and has warned of penalties for violators.
What can passengers do if they are charged unfair fares?
Passengers can report fare discrepancies through the grievance redressal mechanism established by the Owners Association.
How can I find the best rates for my journey?
To secure the best rates, it is advisable to book tickets in advance and compare prices across different booking platforms.
