Although officials said there will not be any increase in bus fare after the Integated Bus Terminus at Panjapur in Tiruchi became operational, commuters say bus operators are collecting higher fare.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO
Following the opening of new Integrated Bus Terminus (IBT) at Panjapur in Tiruchi, passengers have raised concerns over increase in bus fares.
Despite earlier assurances from authorities that fares would remain unchanged, commuters report that both suburban and intercity routes have seen a rise in ticket prices over the past few days.
According to sources, private buses operating particularly on the Pudukottai and Thanjavur routes have increased fares by ₹10 to ₹15 per head. Fares in suburban buses have also been increased by up to ₹5 without any prior notification.
The fare increase is widely attributed to the opening of Panjapur Integrated Bus Terminus, which is 9 km from the Central Bus Stand. It is said that the additional fare is being used to offset fuel expenses incurred because of the extended route.
“If the operators are increasing fares to compensate for the additional kilometres, then buses coming from Madurai and other southern districts should reduce fares proportionately,” said K. Sureshkumar, a councillor from the Communist Party of India (CPI).
Although officials said that the opening of the new terminus would not affect fares, several instances of fare increase have been reported in recent days. “The fare increase is affecting the common people, especially the daily wage earners, and students. The authorities must intervene in the issue or increase the number of government buses,” said K. C. Neelamegam, secretary, Thanneer.
Association’s repsonse
R. Dharmarajan, secretary of the Federation of Bus Operators Association of Tamil Nadu, said bus operators had been instructed to maintain existing fares. “Bus fares will not be increased unless the State government issues an official order. Steps will be taken to ensure such issues do not recur,” he said.
Meanwhile, following complaints from commuters, Collector V. Saravanan recently held a meeting with private bus operators to address the issue.
Published – July 21, 2025 08:18 pm IST
