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After nearly 25 years, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to increase the fares for mini-buses, starting May 1. The new fare system brings a major change from the old rates set in 2000. Passengers will now have to pay Rs 4 for the first four kilometers and up to Rs 10 for journeys of 20 kilometers. Previously, the fare was Rs 2 for the first two kilometers and Rs 4.75 for up to 20 kilometers.
Mini-buses were first introduced in 1998 by the DMK government to improve transport in rural areas. These buses serve regions where government buses are not available. The fare revision applies only to the current mini-bus scheme, which allows a maximum travel distance of 20 kilometers. However, the government is planning to expand the scheme in the coming months, increasing the distance limit to 25 kilometers in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu.
New Fare Structure
The new fare system, as per the Home Transport department's gazette notification, is based on distance slabs:
- Rs 4 for the first 4 kilometers
- Rs 5 for 4 to 6 kilometers
- Rs 6 for 6 to 8 kilometers
- Rs 10 for up to 20 kilometers
Home Secretary Dheeraj Kumar confirmed through an official order that these revised fares will be in effect from May 1.
Fare Increase vs. Actual Charges
Though the government has fixed the fares, many mini-bus operators have already been charging higher amounts. In reality, the minimum fare is around Rs 10 and can go up to Rs 30. Operators argue that these higher charges are necessary to cover the costs of running the service.
When the mini-bus service started, around 6,700 permits were issued by the transport department. However, only 2,900 permits remain in use today, covering more than 1,600 routes. The rules allow mini-buses to operate within 20 kilometers, but only 4 kilometers of their routes can overlap with government bus services. The rest of their route must serve areas where government buses do not operate.
Impact of the Fare Change
This increase in fares reflects the changing transport needs in Tamil Nadu. The government aims to balance the costs for mini-bus operators while keeping transport affordable for people in rural areas. With plans for an expanded mini-bus scheme, the government hopes to improve public transport in Tamil Nadu further. The impact of these fare changes on passengers and mini-bus services will be closely monitored in the coming months.
