A call for action against private minibus operators in the Nilgiris for charging excessive fares from the public

Image used for representational purposes. File | Photo credit: M. Moorthy

The Coonoor Consumer Protection Association has approached the Nilgiris Regional Transport Office (RTO) to initiate strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act against minibuses that have been charging exorbitant fares from the public.

S. Manogaran, president of the association, said the RTO was informed about the overcharging of private minibus operators in the district, which led to RTO officials conducting checks on some vehicles and imposing fines in Udhagamandalam and Coonoor.

The association said that such conduct had been highlighted in the media, but still said that vehicles, including those that were inspected, continued to charge increased fares from passengers. “Therefore, the public and the association believe that the inspections and fines were just eyewash,” the association’s press release said.

“Therefore, we request that strict action be taken under the Motor Vehicles Act against minibuses that continue to charge excessive fares. We also request that transparent and clean driving be ensured and the public be protected from such abuses,” the press release added.

Published – 19 Jul 2026 16:17 IST