Section of Tamil Nadu's omnibus operator to stage protest against govt, majority bypasses
The concerned association urged the state government to take its final call on penalising over overcharging issue or buses will cease to operate.
A section of omnibus operators in Tamil Nadu announced on Tueday that it will go on strike from 6 pm to object the state government's recent crackdown on them for overcharging. Around 120 buses have been detained and their owners have been penalised for charging surged fares. Passengers were reportedly deboarded from many vehicles by officials during the drive.
A member of the the All Omnibus Owners' Association complained that the government officials failed to consider the safety and comfort of passengers and arranged alternative vehicles to continue their journey.
The concerned association urged the state government to take its final call on the matter or buses will cease to operate.
However, the Tamil Nadu Omnibus Owners' Association steered clear of the protest saying the government drive was carried out on buses operating in the state those registered in other states. Around 80% of the state's omnibuses are operated under the association and it said passengers will not face any hurdle to comute as it is not going to stage any protest.
“More than 1,500 buses are under our Union. Today morning, we suddenly heard news that Omni buses won't function after 6 p.m. The strike by other unions is not linked to our association. People don't need to panic. Our association's 1700 buses will function as usual. The impounding of Omni buses is true. That is due to the registration of buses in other states, which is creating losses for Tamil Nadu. We need government support. There is no strike. We don't know about other association strikes. The Southern States Omni Buses Association is in talks with the Transport Minister regarding their strike,” the official said.
(With ANI inputs)
