Minister warns erring omnibus operators

Transport Minister V. Senthil Balaji has warned that the government will cancel licences of omnibus operators if they are found guilty of charging exorbitant fares making use of the festive season rush. “Passengers can lodge their complaints through special phone numbers,” the Minister said in the Assembly while replying to CPI leader M. Arumugam, who complained about omnibus operators charging more fare. Mr. Balaji said the government was operating 8,350 special buses to clear the extra rush during Deepavali and tickets to the tune of Rs. 1.43 crore had been booked through online. “Online booking is a hit among people and in 2012 the transport department generated revenue of Rs. 1.16 crore. During Pongal in 2013, tickets worth Rs. 1.30 crore were sold online,” he said.