Rising dues, expenses tied to ‘proposed’ bus fare hike

Last time, the government hiked the bus fares in the year 2011. According to the sources, the state transport department is debt-ridden due to losses, and it could not meet the demands of employees, who are often staging protests.

“We have no option, but to increase the fare so that the department can survive and also address the problems of the employees, said a source, who participated in the recent meeting held at the secretariat.

However, the transport union members are clueless about the proposed fare hike. K Natarajan, treasurer of Labour Progressive Federation, said that when they met transport minister and officials recently, they were not informed about the decision.

“It is unfair to hike the bus fares. Settling arrears for employees should not affect the public.

The officials should find out alternative ways,” he said and added that they may again hold talks with the state transport department.

When contacted, an MTC official said, “We have not taken any decision regarding hike and we will let people know, if it is so.”