I am surprised this issue is raised now, because some routes had implemented the extra rates because of detour long ago.
The Hindu : Cities / Chennai : MTC hikes fares due to Metro diversions
Here’s another shocker from the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC). After increasing bus ticket fares last November, MTC is looking at another revision in fares. This time, diversions due to ongoing Metro Rail work are to blame, an official says.
Irked commuters ask why they should pay an extra fare just because the MTC bus is taking a detour.
Commuters claim that ticket fares have increased from anywhere between Rs. 1 and Rs. 5 based on whether the bus is ordinary, deluxe or
AC Volvo. “There is an increase of fare at every stage, which is typically 1.5 kilometres. Due to Metro Rail work, the number of stages has increased
He said the fare would be high only one way. “Many commuters keep questioning the conductors and there have been some problems. The fare is based on kilometres, so if the bus travels an additional kilometre, the fare will also increase,” he said.
Personally, I feel more bad about the different rates for different types of buses. Over a period of time, the buses were classified as ordinary, limited stop service, express, deluxe etc & factors like better seats, less stops etc were used as yardsticks to have a higher classification of a bus type and an increased fare. Now all buses are almost the same in terms of comfort, number of stops etc, still they have retained 3 classifications and rates.