Taking a cue from private mofussil buses, town buses in the district, too, have allegedly hiked fares, much to the dismay of commuters.

It may be recalled that a number of private mofussil buses in the district began collecting excess fares from passengers from the first week of July, reportedly without making any announcement or obtaining permission from the government.

Following complaints from the public, Salem and Namakkal district administrations warned bus operators against collecting excess fares, threatening action against violators. The warning seemed to have had little effect.

Subsequently, the Transport Department booked over 19 buses in Salem district and were waiting for the District Collector’s instruction for further action, sources said.

Meanwhile, allegations have been raised that town buses, as well as those heading to Namakkal, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts, too, hiked fares, starting on Sunday (August 16).

Town buses head to various places in the district from Salem Old Bus Stand. These localities include Salem Junction Railway Station, Tharamangalam, Elampillai, Vazhapadi, Vellalapatti and Omalur. On town buses servicing these routes, fares have allegedly been hiked by ₹2-₹6 based on bus stages. Similarly, fare from Salem to Krishnagiri have risen to ₹90 from ₹80.

“I visit Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple on Sundays. From Seelanaickenpatti to Namakkal, private buses charged a fare of ₹30 and ₹35 from the New Bus Stand. On Sunday [August 16], however, a private bus charged ₹33 instead of ₹30. Likewise, from Namakkal to the New Bus Stand, a fare of ₹38 was charged instead of ₹35,” said G. Anandhakumar, a resident of Ammapet.

It was only last week that Minister for Transport A. Vijay Tamilan Parthiban claimed in the Assembly that private buses had sought permission to hike fares. “But, the fares have been increased without any announcement. The government should intervene,” Mr. Anandhakumar added.

Venkataraman, a resident of Salem Town, said private buses used to collect ₹35 from Salem New Bus Stand to Katheri bypass near Komarapalayam. “Now, however, different private buses collect a fare between ₹40 and ₹45, and they have no explanation if we question them”, he added.

District Collector K. Elambahavath was not available for comment.

Published - August 18, 2026 07:19 pm IST