Tamil Nadu Private Bus Operators Announce 24-Hour Token Strike; Here's Why

Private bus operators across Tamil Nadu, excluding Chennai, Madurai, Nagercoil, and Udhagamandalam, have announced a 24-hour token strike beginning at midnight on September 29. The industrial action is intended to press two primary demands: an urgent revision of passenger fares that have remained static since 2018, and opposition to the upcoming expansion of the state government's free travel scheme for women.

Escalating Operational Pressures and Unchanged Fares

Addressing the press, Federation of Bus Operators Association of Tamil Nadu President K. Thangaraj and Secretary D.R. Dharmaraj noted that approximately 7,000 private buses operate across the state. The sector employs roughly 300,000 people and caters to millions of daily commuters, but is currently buckling under severe financial losses, reports PTI. 'Thai Maman Thanga Mothiram' Scheme Launched by Tamil Nadu CM Vijay; Check Eligibility Rules for 1-Gram Gold Ring.

• Rising Fuel Costs: While passenger fares were last updated in 2018 when diesel was priced at INR 64 per litre, fuel costs have since surged past INR 100 per litre.
• Severe Deficits: “We are currently operating at a loss of around 65 per cent. Unless fares are revised, the private bus sector will become unviable," Thangaraj stated.

Operators noted that although the Madras High Court directed the state government in March of last year to consult stakeholders regarding a fare revision following a petition by the federation, no definitive action has been taken.

Opposition to Free Travel Scheme Expansion

The federation also voiced strong objections to the expanded implementation of the women’s free travel scheme, scheduled for October 2. While state-run transport undertakings receive government subsidies to offset losses incurred from free passenger transit, private operators remain excluded from such financial compensation. Tamil Nadu Government Rolls Back RTI Exemption for Law and Order Department After Backlash.

“The expansion of the scheme will further worsen the financial position of private bus operators. The government should extend the free travel scheme to private buses as well and provide a subsidy to compensate us," Thangaraj added. The token strike is scheduled to run from midnight on September 29 until midnight on September 30, with commuters bracing for potential transport disruptions across affected districts.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2026 08:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).