Very few takers for government AC buses as patronage dips by 40 per cent

“Each bus was purchased at a cost of Rs 40 lakh. But, the newly introduced AC buses are carrying only four to five passengers per trip. The fixed fare in air-conditioned sleeper buses is equivalent to the cost of flying or travelling in long-distance trains. The revision of fare was always going to work against the government,” sources in the Transport Department said. 

On an average, the air-conditioned buses have had an occupancy of 15 passengers with slight variations since July when the luxury buses were introduced. Sources pointed out that in the previous year, the total number of passengers who used the State Transport Corporations was more than 5 lakh. “However, due to the fare system, the STC ridership is likely to come down to four lakh this year,” an official said on condition of anonymity.

Apparently, short distance trips to Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Hosur and Krishnagiri witness good patronage due to moderate rise in tariff. Overall, a 40 per cent dip is expected in long-distance routes. In all, the government has 65 buses in the AC category and these are being operated in select routes, including Kanniyakumari, Nagercoil, Madurai, Tiruchy, Coimbatore and Salem.

A mofussil bus driver attached to the Koyambedu bus depot, said, “During normal days, the capacity to occupancy ratio of SETC before the revision of fare was 45:30. This took a nosedive after the revision of fares. Now, buses only carry 25 per cent of their total capacity.” 

Speaking toDT Next, a senior State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) official said, “Over the years, the State Transport Corporations attracted more number of passengers during the festival season. The main reason for this was that private operators hiked the fare exorbitantly though we follow the flexi-fare system. We are hoping to make a good revenue this time too and make up for the losses.”

Chennai-Kanyakumari: 1,300

Chennai-Madurai: 970

Chennai-Nagercoil: 1,470

Chennai-Coimbatore: 1,071