Members of the public have urged the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) to operate more buses from Coimbatore to Kinathukadavu, Walayar, Sulur, Maruthamalai and Somanur destinations.

Commuters who use these routes regularly told The Covai Post that the transport department was currently operating more deluxe and express services that were charging more.

“Express or deluxe buses between Somanur and Gandhipuram charge Rs. 21, whereas in ordinary buses it is only Rs. 15. It is not the question of money. In the name of deluxe buses, TNSTC is providing facilities similar to ordinary buses. The seats are not comfortable. There is nothing special in these buses,” said T. Regina, resident of Somanur.

According to C.M. Jayaraman, President of Citizens Voice Club (Coimbatore Consumer Centre), the TNSTC was operating more deluxe buses just keeping revenue in mind. “There is no difference between ordinary and deluxe or express services. They all run in the same route and have same number of stoppages. The deluxe buses are not at all superior in quality – no push back seats or AC facilities. Green colour stickers are stuck on ordinary buses and called Express/ Deluxe service ,” he said and added that a person travelling from Pollachi to Coimbatore pays Rs. 23 in a deluxe bus whereas it is only Rs. 17 in ordinary route.

“The Government should direct the Corporation to regulate the services and address the concerns raised by the public,” Jayaraman added.