Coimbatore Consumer Cause on Tuesday urged the State Government to reconsider its proposal to procure only air-conditioned buses to augment fleet of state transport corporations.

While the intent to ensure comfortable travel is laudable, the services of air-conditioned buses may not be affordable, frequent and accessible for a large section of common people,

K. Kathirmathiyon, Secretary, Coimbatore Consumer Cause, said in a representation to the Chief Minister.

The difference in minimum fare is five times higher in air-conditioned buses, in city buses and about three times higher for mofussil services.

Also, air-conditioned buses are expensive, consume more fuel, and necessitate much higher maintenance cost.

A balanced policy would be to continue procuring ordinary buses in large numbers, and to introduce AC buses on need-basis, Mr. Kathirmathiyon said.

Published - July 21, 2026 07:31 pm IST