Telangana Transport Department warns private bus operators against hiking fare for Sankranti

Special drives being carried by Regional Transport Authority teams across city, cases being booked against violators following reports of several buses operating without permits

Hyderabad: Following reports of several buses operating without permits and charging exorbitant fares, the Transport Department has warned private travel operators against increasing bus fares for Sankranti.

Special drives are already being carried by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) teams at various locations in the city and cases are booked against violators.

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During special inspections, the officials have so far booked 3,170 cases against buses for violations and at least 25 buses were seized for lack of fitness. The enforcement teams are also tasked with conducting a special drive from January 7-16 every year to curb illegal operations of private buses, particularly those travelling to other States from the GHMC area.

“The special drives will continue and cases will be filed against buses found violating permit rules or charging fares above the prescribed limit. Legal action will also be taken against violators,” said a senior Transport Department official.

The authorities highlighted the need for experienced drivers to operate private buses, stressing that a passenger list and designated attendant must be maintained. Additionally, all contract carriage bus regulations must be strictly followed. Non-compliance could result in vehicle seizures.

Recently, it was found that many private buses were operating without proper permits or tax payments. These vehicles, registered as contract carriages, are illegally operating on routes typically served by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC), charging excessive fares without maintaining safety standards.