The Huffington Post
Diwali Travelers Face Double Fares for Returning to Chennai on Monday
Chennai: Following the Diwali festival, most people in Chennai traveled out of the city on Thursday and Friday, resulting in low private omni bus bookings for today (Saturday). In addition, omnibus fares have remained consistent. However, it has been observed that the omnibus booking charges for returning to Chennai from outlying areas on Monday are more than double the usual amount.
During the festive season, particularly during Diwali, ticket fares for omni buses in Chennai tend to skyrocket. Passengers have complained about the exorbitant fares of up to Rs 2,000 or Rs 3,000 for travel to outlying areas. In response, the government plans to implement measures such as imposing fines on omni buses that overcharge.
Tamil Nadu Transport Minister S.S. Sivashankar recently stated that omni bus owners have agreed to operate buses by reducing fares by an additional 5 percent from the fixed prices for omni buses. Strict action will be taken against owners who charge additional fees in violation of these agreements, said the minister.
Concerns were also raised by the public about the economic burden of omni bus fares during holidays and festivals, with demands for government intervention to control fares.
BAMA President Anbumani released a statement condemning private omni buses charging passengers exorbitant fares. Anbumani urged the government to take action in accordance with High Court judgments, including cancelling the licenses of omni buses that overcharge and imposing heavy fines on them.
As Diwali celebrations took place across Tamil Nadu, a large number of people left Chennai on Friday to spend the festival in their hometowns. As a result, crowded scenes were seen at railway and bus stations. Special buses and additional public transportation were arranged to accommodate the increased travelers.
Despite the recent decrease in ticket prices for omni buses out of Chennai, prices for traveling back to the city on Monday are poised to double. To illustrate, omni bus fares from Madurai to Chennai are expected to be more than Rs 2,000, while fares from Coimbatore to Chennai have been fixed at Rs 2,000. The public is expressing concerns about the rising ticket fares and is urging the government to take action to address the issue.