T.N. govt. should not allow private bus operators to hike fares: Anbumani

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PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Monday said the Tamil Nadu government should not allow private bus operators to increase bus ticket fares.

He pointed out that the Madras High Court had issued several orders stating that the private bus operators should not be allowed to overcharge, and the State government should fix private bus ticket rates in the State.

Dr. Anbumani said in a statement that it was concerning that the government had approved not only the current fare hike but also regular fare hikes based on inflation.

“Just like how electricity tariffs are hiked annually in July, bus fares, too, will now be increased once every year. Such decisions will allow not only the government but also private players to exploit the public. The Tamil Nadu government must not hide behind the claim that the decision was made following a High Court order [to hike the fare],” he said. In response to petitions filed by the Private Bus Owners’ Association, the Madras High Court on January 23 had delivered a judgment stating clearly that it did not order a fare hike. Instead, it had only said that a high-level committee formed for that purpose could take a decision after hearing all stakeholders.

He added, “The Madras High Court has repeatedly ruled that the government must fix the fares for private omni- buses, and stop them from charging exorbitantly. Yet, the Tamil Nadu government has taken no action. However, when it comes to private bus fare hikes, the government is eager to make decisions, making it clear whose interests are being served.”