Passengers travelling during the Christmas and New Year holidays were shocked as fares on Omni buses were hiked several times across Tamil Nadu, taking advantage of the festive rush. With a surge in demand for travel from Chennai to southern districts, private operators sharply increased ticket prices.
The fare for Chennai–Nagercoil, which is usually around Rs. 1,200, has gone up to as much as Rs. 4,500. Similarly, passengers are being charged up to Rs. 4,300 for Chennai–Thoothukudi services, while fares for Chennai–Madurai have touched Rs. 3,000. Travellers have also complained that Omni bus fares on the Chennai–Salem route have increased to nearly Rs. 4,000.
The steep hike has caused severe hardship to families travelling to their native places for the holidays. Several passengers expressed anguish over what they termed arbitrary pricing by private Omni bus operators during peak travel periods.
They have urged the State government and transport authorities to intervene and take immediate action to regulate fares and prevent the exploitation of passengers during festive seasons.
