As the Sankranti festival approaches, private bus operators in Andhra Pradesh are facing severe criticism and official action for exploiting the massive travel rush by charging passengers exorbitant, loot-like fares. With thousands heading home for the three-day harvest festival starting January 14, routes to north Andhra Pradesh have seen ticket prices skyrocket.
Passengers Bear the Brunt of Festive Fleecing
Travelers from cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Chennai to destinations including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam have reported facing heavily inflated ticket costs over the past few days. The surge in demand has led to what many passengers describe as outright exploitation.
On the popular Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam route, the cost of a one-way AC bus ticket has shot up to between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000. This is a sharp increase from the normal off-peak fare of around ₹2,000. Similar significant hikes have been recorded on other busy corridors like Hyderabad to Vijayawada and Vijayawada to Visakhapatnam.
Transport Department Launches Crackdown in Vizag
Responding to widespread complaints, the Road Transport Department (RTO) in Visakhapatnam city has intensified its inspections. Officials have initiated strict action against private bus operators found violating fare regulations.
During special inspection drives conducted over the last two days, authorities have booked 11 private bus operators for various violations. The charges against them include not just charging exorbitant fares, but also illegally transporting goods and breaching permit conditions.
The total fines imposed in this crackdown amount to ₹33,600, signaling a firm stance against the malpractice of fleecing passengers during the crucial festive travel period.
Official Warnings and Ongoing Monitoring
Transport officials have issued a stern warning to all operators, clarifying the legal limits of fare hikes. They emphasized that private bus fares can only be increased by a maximum of 50% above the rates set by the state-run Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC).
To combat the modern methods of overcharging, enforcement teams are now actively monitoring online bus ticket booking platforms. "We are on the job to track prices on online booking platforms and will register cases against bus operators if they indulge in violations to loot passengers," stated officials. This move aims to prevent the fleecing of passengers who are booking their Sankranti journey tickets digitally.
The department's proactive measures highlight the ongoing struggle to balance market dynamics during peak demand periods with the need to protect consumers from predatory pricing, ensuring that the festive homecoming does not become a financially burdensome experience for the common traveler.
