Services resume, but omni bus patronage yet to pick up

“We are operating about 500 buses on daily basis as against a total of 4,000 private buses in the State. Even after adhering to the government norms of operating buses with only 60 per cent occupancy, only 30 per cent seats are taken,” A Anbazhagan of All Omni Bus Owners’ Association said. Against the 10,500 available seats, only about 7,000 seats are being occupied since the bus service resumed, he added.

At this rate, it would be financially unviable to operate the buses, he said. “People are still scared to travel in public transport due to the pandemic,” he said. All buses were disinfected and hand sanitisers were provided for all the passengers.

Omnibus service remained suspended for over six months due to the lockdown imposed by the government in March last week to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Even after the government allowed intra-district bus services from September, omnibuses did not ply seeking the government to waive the road tax for the first two quarters ending September. Following the Madras High Court order in its favour, a section of the omnibuses resumed service.

Anbazhagam said that they have given a representation to the State government to waive 50 per cent of road tax for the next two quarters from October to March 2021 considering the social distancing norm that limits seat occupancy to 60 per cent. “When we are plying buses at 60 per cent occupancy, we should not be asked to pay full road tax. Hence we are seeking 50 per cent waiver of the tax,” he added.