Consumer assn. complains against collection of excess bus fare in the Nilgiris

The Coonoor Consumer Protection Association has filed a complaint with the Transport Minister over the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) charging excessive bus fares in the Nilgiris. Association president S. Manogaran stated that out of 367 buses permitted in the region, 180 are operating as express buses despite no express bus permits having been issued, as per the High Court's order.

He alleged that passengers are being charged an extra fare for "Express Bus Fare" under the guise of longer distances, with the ordinary fare set at ₹7 and the express fare at ₹11. Additionally, a 20% surcharge is levied for buses in hilly areas. The association staged protests and filed a Public Interest Litigation in 2019, requesting the cancellation of the permits for these buses.

Despite a High Court order to the Regional Transport Officer to cancel the permits and impose fines, the association claims that district collectors and Regional Transport Officers have failed to enforce the directive. Manogaran appealed to the new government in Tamil Nadu to halt this exploitation, promising to withdraw contempt of court proceedings if appropriate action is taken.