OPS says omnibuses operators fleece passengers, seeks CM Stalin’s intervention

CHENNAI: Former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam on Friday urged chief minister M K Stalin to immediately intervene and prevent omnibus operators from fleecing passengers.
In a statement, Panneerselvam said operators had hiked fares due to high demand in the wake of extended public holidays. The fare that should have been Rs 800 - Rs 900 for several destinations has been hovering around Rs 3,000 - Rs 4,000 equal to that of air fare, which was unacceptable.
The fare in omnibuses from Chennai to Madurai is Rs 3,200, while to Trichy it is Rs 3,000, Nagercoil Rs 3,850 and Coimbatore Rs 4,000. The operators have also posted the fare online.
“It is said the transport department does not take action despite knowing that operators are collecting huge fares, and act only when complaints are given,” he said. He said the government had the responsibility to fix the bus fare during festivals and holidays.