No respite for fleecing by interstate buses

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Interstate buses fleeced passengers this Easter season despite transport commissioner Tomin J. Thachankary’s strict warnings.
The AC bus fares on Bengaluru - Ernakulam route before Easter ranged between Rs 1,999 and Rs 2,800 and on Sunday Rs 1,600-2,500 while the KSRTC’s flexi-fare was only Rs 1,111.

Mr Thachankary had on March 14 threatened action against those who charge more that 15 percent of the KSRTC fares during the festival. The Easter special fares to Bengaluru were higher from Kottayam and Thrissur with larger Christian populations. Interestingly, tickets from Thiruvananthapuram were cheaper starting at Rs 1,300 on Sunday on popular booking sites.

“Transport commissioner had asked us to keep fares low. However, we wanted a base rate before introducing a ceiling. We ply Kochi-Bangalore for prices between Rs 700 and Rs 900 on ordinary working days. Once this can be fixed at say around Rs 1,300 round the year, we will be happy to keep the price range,” an operator said.

Mr Thachankary during the meeting had also warned other state-owned buses of fine if they carried vegetables and flowers with passengers. Speed governors were also expected to be fixed on buses.