Crackdown on Exorbitant Fares by Omni Bus Operators by RTOs

The Commissioner of Transport and Road Safety has issued a directive to all Road Transport Officers (RTOs) and Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) and the enforcement wing to take action against private omnibus operators who have been imposing exorbitant fares during the pooja holidays. In response to Omni bus operators taking advantage of high passenger demand to increase ticket prices, Transport Commissioner A. Shanmuga Sundaram has urged RTOs to monitor various bus ticket booking websites, including Red Bus and Make My Trip, to ensure they are not charging excessive prices.

If passenger complaints do not surface, transport officials can use snapshots of bus fares from ticket booking apps to inspect specific omnibuses and take necessary measures. In cases where passengers do file complaints, e-tickets can serve as evidence without disclosing their identities for action against the bus operators.

The Transport Commissioner has empowered zonal officers to levy fines on omnibuses charging exorbitant fares and even detain them, with this crackdown continuing until Deepavali.