Consumer assn. complains against collection of excess bus fare in the Nilgiris

The Coonoor Consumer Protection Association has written to the Transport Minister alleging that the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) was charging excess bus fares from the public in the Nilgiris

S. Manogaran, president of the association, said that a total of 367 buses have been issued permits in the Nilgiris. “All these buses have been granted permits under the ordinary-fare category. When bus fares were increased in 2018, an additional fare was fixed for buses travelling more than 80 km, under the name of “Express Bus Fare.” The minimum ordinary bus fare is ₹7, while the express bus fare is ₹11. In addition, as per the existing government order, a 20% additional fare has already been fixed for buses operating in hilly areas,” he said, adding that the TNSTC was collecting excess bus fares under the pretext of the buses being “Express” services.