Passengers travelling from Tiruchi to various destinations and vice-versa during the Pongal festival have complained that several private omnibus operators have sharply increased ticket fares, with prices nearly doubling compared to regular days.
With the festive season witnessing a surge in demand, many private operators have allegedly taken advantage of the rush, charging exorbitant rates, particularly for AC sleeper and semi-sleeper services. Commuters reported that fares, which normally remain within an affordable range, have risen steeply in the days leading up to Pongal, leaving travellers with limited options.
Bus fares from Tiruchi to Chennai, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, and Madurai have surged on online booking platforms. On Wednesday, fares displayed for the Chennai to Tiruchi route ranged from ₹2,700 to ₹3,350 for AC sleeper buses, while non-AC sleeper fares ranged between ₹1,400 and ₹2,300 during the peak travel period from January 14 to 18. Passengers travelling to southern districts said fares were even higher, alleging that operators charged more than the online rates when tickets were purchased directly at bus stands.
“Fare has doubled compared to what we usually pay. We had no option but to book. On normal days, I pay around ₹1,200 for an AC sleeper bus, but now it is more than ₹2,500. This kind of hike is unfair,” said a commuter heading to Kanyakumari.
