NAMAKKAL: The Federation of the Private Bus Owners’ Associations on Monday announced that all private buses in Tamil Nadu will remain off the roads for 24 hours from midnight on Sept 29 till midnight on Sept 30. The federation took the decision to protest the state govt’s free travel scheme for women, which is set to be extended to more categories of govt buses starting Oct 2.Talking to TOI, president of the Namakkal District Private Bus Owners Association Jothi Kuppusamy stated that the strike was intended to highlight the severe impact the scheme would have on private bus operators. “We want the public to understand the losses we face and draw the attention of the Tamil Nadu govt to our plight. The free travel plan may benefit women passengers, but it will cripple private bus services that depend on daily ticket revenue,” he said.The free travel scheme for women, first introduced in city buses, is now being extended to express, limited stop service, and deluxe govt buses. Private bus operators argue that this expansion will drastically reduce passenger numbers on their buses, leaving drivers and conductors without sufficient income. They have demanded compensation similar to that given to state-run transport corporations or alternative measures to safeguard their livelihoods.The federation has emphasized that the strike would last only one day but warned that if the govt does not respond, further action may follow. With thousands of private buses forming a crucial part of the state’s transport network, commuters are expected to face hardships during the 24-hour stoppage.
