Some omni buses resume services to districts, assn decision today

The association had decided against a resumption of services even as the government allowed operation from September 1, following social distancing norms.

Some operators, on Friday, started services from the city to Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli and other destinations. Tickets were also available for online booking. For Sunday, 10 omni buses were listed in an online portal for Madurai with the fare varying from Rs 799 to Rs 1,200 for non-AC seater and sleeper coaches.

To Tirunelveli, the bus tickets would cost anywhere between Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500.

Anbalagan Alagappan, general secretary of All Omni Bus Owners and Operators Association said some operators have commenced service without authorisation from the association. “Some operators are running the buses operated outside Tamil Nadu and Puducherry,” he said, adding his association has convened a meeting on Sunday to decide on the future course of action as about two lakh persons’ livelihood were depended on the omni buses.

The association had demanded the government to waive the road tax for April-September period for all omni buses which have got the State permit. “For the sleeper buses which pay advance road taxes, it should be adjusted for the forthcoming quarter,” it said.

The association also asked the government to allow operation of the buses with 100 per cent seat occupancy like in other states. “The AC buses should also be allowed to operate,” it said, adding bank moratorium should be extended for the next four months till December.