Omnibus operators allege harassment by transport dept officials in TN

Coimbatore: The All Omni Bus Owners and Operators Association has alleged that bus drivers are being subjected to harassment and arbitrary checks by transport department officials, causing hardships to both operators and passengers.Speaking to reporters here on Sunday, association president A Pandiyan said that transport department inspectors frequently stopped omnibuses under the pretext of vehicle checks, intimidate drivers and delay services. As a result, buses were often unable to reach their destinations on time, leaving passengers stranded and drivers unable to respond to their queries, he said.He pointed out that omnibuses with valid all-India permits were being forced to pay additional “special taxes” in Tamil Nadu, despite already paying national and state-level taxes.

He alleged that this practice amounted to extortion in the name of enforcement.The operators further said although the Madras high court had issued orders against such actions, transport officials continued to defy the rulings. “This sustained harassment is pushing drivers and operators into severe mental stress,” said Pandiyan.He urged the transport minister and senior department officials to intervene immediately and put an end to the alleged irregularities.