Start helpline for complaints against excess bus fare: HC

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The Madras High Court today directed the Tamil Nadu Transport Authority to put in place a helpline or a complaint mechanism enabling passengers travelling by private omni buses to file complaints if operators charge excess fares.
The First Bench, comprising Chief Justice Rajesh Kumar Agrawal and Justice M Sathyanarayanan posted further hearing to November 11 after allowing petitioner R Gobika to implead the Transport Commissioner and Omnibus Association representatives and interstate omni bus operators.
The petitioner, who is an advocate, alleged that in spite of the November 17 2011 notification fixing fares of various types of transport vehicles, private omnibus operators took advantage of the festival season and holidays and charged exorbitant fares.

Advocate Sathia Chandran argued that the violation was in practice because there was no control over the omni and private bus operators and said there should be a mechanism to take appropriate action against the erring bus operators.
Government Pleader S T S Moorthy submitted that state transport operated buses are complying with the notification.
Action against erring operators was also being taken from time to time if any complaint was brought to the notice of the concerned transport authority, he said.
He further sought time to file counter.