Coimbatore: Private bus operators have increased the cost to the city of Chennai anywhere between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 for bed airconditioned buses, as demand has increased with people who return to their hometown in large numbers for Diwali.
Bus fares to Chennai from city also jumped, with the people who book in advance to get back to their jobs after the festival.
While Aircondition Sleeper Bus tickets are priced anywhere between Rs 700 and Rs 900, fares have shot up to Rs 1,400-Rs 1700 now.
Premium Bus tickets, meanwhile, sold up to Rs 2,200.
C Vimalaj, Ganapatypudur residents in the city, said the bus tickets to Chennai used only costs Rs 800 on a normal day.
“But now the cost increased to Rs 1,500.
Since there are only a few seats available, I had no other choice but to book the tickets.
The price may go up if I booked at the last minute.” People, who do not mind spending a few hundred rupees extra, choose air travel.
They said that compared with premium bus fare, airline tickets only higher by about Rs 1,000.
A private bus operator based in Gandhipuram said the timing of the festival is an opportunity for them to make money after incurring huge losses during the lockout-induced covid.
“We do not operate a bus for months together during the lockout.
But we had to pay all the taxes.
We could get something just now.” An official with the transport department said they had warned bus operators to avoid the price and asked them to remain at a set price by the government.
“Surprise inspections will be conducted and strict action would be taken against bus operators who are mistaken.”