Certainly, the TNSTC bus fare hike implemented by the TN government with effect from midnight of January 20 has left the regular bus users completely perplexed. Among the victims of the bus hike are also the tea estate workers of Valparai who have voiced their strong condemnation against the steep hike by citing their skimpy daily wages which is insufficient even to meet their basics.
Coimbatore, January 20
Certainly, the TNSTC bus fare hike implemented by the TN government with effect from midnight of January 20 has left the regular bus users completely perplexed. Among the victims of the bus hike are also the tea estate workers of Valparai who have voiced their strong condemnation against the steep hike by citing their skimpy daily wages which is insufficient even to meet their basics.
"While our daily wages remain unaltered, the government revising bus fares to such exorbitant levels is highly deplorable. Previously, I paid a ticket fare of Rs. 41 to commute from Valparai to Pollachi. And, shockingly now I had to pay Rs. 66, a 25 rupee hike which is a nightmare for daily wagers like us", said Vellammal a daily wage worker from Valparai.
"I am a resident of Valparai and work as a construction worker in Pollachi. And, I commute daily between these two places. After the revised bus fare, the two-way trip costs Rs. 132 whereas my wage itself is just Rs. 300. Is the government trying to push economically weaker section of the people to destitution?" lamented Chinna Maari, a regular TNSTC bus user from Valparai.
There are about 40 TNSTC buses in Valparai that commute from the hilly terrain to several parts like Coimbatore, Pollachi, The Nilgiris, Tirupur and more. The sharp sudden hike in fares have largely appalled the people of Valparai who are mostly into daily wage works.
The bus travellers across the state have been voicing their disapproval for this overnight decision of the government of skyrocketing the bus fares commonly used by people from low economy backgrounds. However, transport minister, M.R. Vijayabaskar has reinstated that "No changes would be entertained. And, that people should co-operate with the government and get accustomed with the fares".
Certainly, the TNSTC bus fare hike implemented by the TN government with effect from midnight of January 20 has left the regular bus users completely perplexed. Among the victims of the bus hike are also the tea estate workers of Valparai who have voiced their strong condemnation against the steep hike by citing their skimpy daily wages which is insufficient even to meet their basics.
"While our daily wages remain unaltered, the government revising bus fares to such exorbitant levels is highly deplorable. Previously, I paid a ticket fare of Rs. 41 to commute from Valparai to Pollachi. And, shockingly now I had to pay Rs. 66, a 25 rupee hike which is a nightmare for daily wagers like us", said Vellammal a daily wage worker from Valparai.
"I am a resident of Valparai and work as a construction worker in Pollachi. And, I commute daily between these two places. After the revised bus fare, the two-way trip costs Rs. 132 whereas my wage itself is just Rs. 300. Is the government trying to push economically weaker section of the people to destitution?" lamented Chinna Maari, a regular TNSTC bus user from Valparai.
There are about 40 TNSTC buses in Valparai that commute from the hilly terrain to several parts like Coimbatore, Pollachi, The Nilgiris, Tirupur and more. The sharp sudden hike in fares have largely appalled the people of Valparai who are mostly into daily wage works.
The bus travellers across the state have been voicing their disapproval for this overnight decision of the government of skyrocketing the bus fares commonly used by people from low economy backgrounds. However, transport minister, M.R. Vijayabaskar has reinstated that "No changes would be entertained. And, that people should co-operate with the government and get accustomed with the fares".