Despite warnings from the district administration, private buses in Salem continue to fleece passengers with excess fares. Transport officials have registered cases against 19 buses following intensive checks.
Key Takeaways
- 19 private buses booked in Salem for illegal fare collection.
- Illegal hikes began in the first week of July without government permission.
- RTOs and inspectors conducted raids at various bus stops.
- Potential for permit suspension or heavy fines by the Collector.
The blatant disregard for transport regulations continues in the Salem district, where private bus operators are systematically overcharging passengers. Even after explicit warnings from the district administration, these operators have persisted in collecting fares beyond the government-mandated rates. In response, Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) have intensified inspections, resulting in cases being registered against 19 private buses within a single week.
Reports indicate that since the first week of July, these buses began implementing hiked fares without any prior official announcement or authorization from the state government. Despite warnings from both the Salem and Namakkal district administrations, the illegal practice continued unabated, prompting direct intervention from the higher authorities.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that unregulated fare hikes in the private transport sector create significant financial strain on daily commuters and undermine the regulatory framework of the state's transport department. Such predatory pricing models threaten to destabilize the local transit ecosystem if not met with decisive legal action.
Strict enforcement of fare regulations is the only way to protect commuters from the predatory practices of private operators.
Following instructions from Salem District Collector K. Elambahavath, a team comprising RTOs from Salem East, Vazhapadi, and Attur, along with motor vehicle inspectors, conducted widespread checks. The investigation revealed specific discrepancies: Salem to Attur fares were hiked from ₹36 to ₹40, Salem to Vazhapadi from ₹21 to ₹25, and Salem to Karipatti from ₹12 to ₹16.
Fare Comparison Table
| Route | Official Fare (₹) | Charged Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Salem to Attur | 36 | 40 |
| Salem to Vazhapadi | 21 | 25 |
| Salem to Karipatti | 12 | 16 |
Officials have been seizing tickets at bus stops to gather evidence of the overcharging. The district administration is currently deliberating whether to impose heavy fines or proceed with the permanent suspension of the buses' operating permits. Local residents have expressed their frustration, calling for immediate intervention from the Chief Minister's office.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much extra were the buses charging?
The hikes ranged from ₹4 to ₹4 extra per ticket depending on the specific route.
2. What action is being taken against the offenders?
Cases have been registered, and the Collector is considering the suspension of their permits.
