Private Bus Operators to Observe 24-Hour Strike in TN 'Fare Hike'

Private bus operators across Tamil Nadu, barring those in Chennai, Madurai, Nagercoil, and Udhagamandalam, have announced a 24-hour token strike from midnight on September 29 to press for a revision of passenger fares and oppose the proposed expansion of the state government's free travel scheme for women. 

According to the Federation of Bus Operators Association of Tamil Nadu, around 7,000 private buses operate in the state, and the sector is grappling with mounting losses due to the steep increase in the cost of diesel and spare parts.

While



fares were last revised in 2018 when diesel was priced at Rs 64 a litre, the fuel now costs over Rs 100 a litre. "We are currently operating at a loss of around 65 per cent. Unless fares are revised, the private bus sector will become unviable," Federation President Thangaraj told reporters on Monday. 

Following a petition by a federation of private bus owners, the Madras High Court in March last year had directed the state government to seek views from operators and the public regarding a fare revision. However, operators alleged that no further action has been taken.