Tamil Nadu private bus operators announce 24-hour strike over fare revision, free travel scheme

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

The Federation of Bus Operators Association of Tamil Nadu said around 7,000 private buses are currently operating across the state. The federation said operators are facing increasing losses due to the rising prices of diesel and spare parts.

Fares were last revised in 2018, when diesel cost Rs 64 per litre. The price of diesel has since increased to more than Rs 100 per litre.

Federation president Thangaraj told reporters on Monday that private bus operators were currently facing losses of around 65 per cent and warned that the sector could become unviable without a fare revision.

The Madras High Court, acting on a petition filed by a federation of private bus owners, had directed the state government in March last year to obtain the views of operators and the public on revising fares. However, the operators alleged that no further action had been taken by the government.

The federation has also opposed the proposed expansion of the women's free travel scheme from October 2. It said state transport undertakings receive government subsidies to implement the scheme, while private bus operators do not receive similar compensation. 

"The expansion of the scheme will further worsen the financial position of private bus operators. The government should extend the free travel scheme to private buses as well and provide a subsidy to compensate us," Thangaraj added. 

The strike will begin at midnight on September 29 and continue until midnight on September 30.  (with inputs from PTI)