CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Transport Department has operated special bus services from Chennai to facilitate voters ahead of the Assembly election scheduled on April 23.
According to an official release, as of midnight on April 21, a total of 2,092 regular buses were operated in full capacity, along with 1,339 additional special buses.
In all, 3,431 buses were deployed, enabling 1,88,705 passengers to travel. So far, 18,633 passengers have also availed advance booking facilities.
The department said additional buses would continue to be operated based on demand, keeping in view the needs of the public during the election period. It urged passengers to plan their travel in advance and opt for prior booking to avoid last-minute congestion.
Transport corporation officials said that they expect a total of four lakh people to travel out the city using the corporation buses.
Meanwhile, All Omni Bus Owners Association president A Anbalagan said, “Reports in sections of the media about fare hikes in omni buses ahead of the election had caused concern among the public, but there was no need for apprehension. Tickets are available at regular and regulated fares for services to all parts of Tamil Nadu. On an average, around 6,000 omni buses operate about 9,000 trips daily, serving over 3 lakh passengers.”
Despite an increase in passenger demand due to the election, most services were being operated at normal fares. However, in a few instances, certain operators had listed fares exceeding the maximum limit fixed by associations on online platforms. Immediate action was taken in coordination with government authorities, and the fares for those specific services were reduced.
The association had also held discussions with travel operators to ensure that ticket prices do not exceed the prescribed ceiling. Monitoring of fares was being carried out jointly by the government and associations, especially for services from Chennai to southern districts, to enable voters to travel and exercise their democratic right.
Passengers can check the maximum fare details on the association’s website and lodge complaints regarding overcharging through the designated helpline. Refunds have already been issued in cases where excess fares were collected, he said.
“The State government continues to take strict action against operators found charging beyond the permitted limits. Passengers can book tickets with confidence and travel at fair and reasonable fares,” the association added.