MTC fares reduced. Pay Rs 2 only for a Deluxe Service!

drgrudge

MTC buses plying in Chennai will now charge only "ordinary fare." The Hindu reports:

-- Most low-floor buses of MTC and other luxury services, which earlier levied a minimum fare ranging from Rs.3 to Rs.5, charged Rs.2 only.
-- At Ayanavaram, the conductor of a bus on route 23V was seen standing on the footboard and inviting passengers waiting at the stop saying that they did not have to pay more to travel in a Deluxe service.
-- However, fares of the air-conditioned buses of MTC remained the same. Ahhh!

I noticed that for the past 3-4 weeks that most ‘M’ bus services (more fare than ordinary service) did not sport ‘M’ next to the bus number. This is the first fare revision in nearly 8 years.


This is good news. I think the Rs 2 (onwards) fare is one of the cheapest fares in India. May all people embrace MTC travel!


Another article [TOI]: Bus fares down, EC not amused

Nick-H

This will cost the MTC 1 crore ruppees a day, and has been denounced by the Electoral Commission as being a violation of the code.

It is not good news; it is, apparently, an election stunt.

manojb

It could also be a promo for the buses. In Bangalore, when BMTC started its Volvo services initially, occupancy rates were very low, possibly due to the high fares. They ran a promotion for 1 week where all Volvo tickets were 1 Rupee. Apparently, that helped increase the occupancy rates.

drgrudge

Whatever be the intention behind this revision, does it matter? Enjoy the low fares, embrace public transport and save the planet.

I think they might increase the fares soon after the elections are over. Make hay when sun shines.

Haylo

Surely the sun always shines in India?

Umm.. except during the night, obviously.

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Nick-H

Always shines on the politicians!

I doubt very much if using MTC buses does much for the planet. Certainly doesn't do much for the people they kill.

Still rating this one !

drgrudge

It certainly does. Perfect business sense. Spend (or rather I'll use the word invest) Rs 1 crore a day for 2-3 weeks and then earn handsome profits for the next 5 years.

This is nothing for the DMK govt. Consider this: (a double thumbs, fingers and toes down, Nick?)
- free Panasonic TV for all. Costs Rs 2,400. If we buy it costs Rs 3,200.
- RS 2,000 rain "relief." Again all were invited to the party irrespective of whether the rain had affected you.
- free Pongal pack (rice, green gram, cashew, dry grapes, spices)
- free LPG stove and connection for poor families.
- load waiver for farmers who had borrowed from TN govt. owned banks.
- Rs 2/kilo rice. Later revised to Re 1.
- Rs 500/month for unemployed graduate youth.
- Spice pack @ PDS shops for Rs 50 (costs nearly Rs 75 if bought outside).
- free booze, biriyani and cash gifts for the Thirumangalam (Madurai) voters. Someone claimed it's a "buy election" and not a by-election.
- Rs 150 cash for poor families for them to vote DMK. [Our maid gave this info]

Did I miss anything?

Nick-H

Hmmm...

As I live in this country, as a foreign citizen, only so long as the government lets me, I prefer not to get too much into political specifics online! Not under a fairly-easily identifiable ID, anyway !

Haylo

You might say that, but I couldn't possibly comment.