Private bus operators in parts of Tamil Nadu have reportedly increased ticket fares on their own, citing mounting operating costs and the lack of a government revision. The issue has surfaced in districts including Vellore, Cuddalore, Salem and Karur.
According to the operators, private bus fares have not been revised since 2018. They say diesel prices and the cost of spare parts have risen sharply, pushing the sector into losses. Private buses operate across the state except in Chennai, Madurai, Nagercoil and Ooty, with around 4,600 services running elsewhere.
Operators have been urging the state government for a fare revision in line with fuel price increases for the past few years. With no response, some services allegedly raised fares by Rs 2 to Rs 5 in certain districts.
Transport Commissioner Thomas Vaidyan said the matter would be examined and appropriate action taken. Meanwhile, representatives of private bus owners said they had asked those who raised fares to revert to the usual rates, stating that talks with the state government are ongoing and a solution is expected soon.
