KAKINADA: Private bus operators fleeced thousands of people, headed back to Hyderabad from their native places at the end of Sankranti holidays, by charging Rs 2,800 for a ticket.

Interestingly, air fare between Madhurapudi and Hyderabad costs Rs 3,000 if booked three months in advance, according to travel portals.

The highest demand for seats is from Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Amalapuram-Razole to Hyderabad. “I got a ticket from Kakinada to Hyderabad with great difficulty for Rs 2,550 in a private bus, as I have to report to work on Monday,” said IT employee V. Sasikiran. He rued that RTC buses charge less than private buses but don’t stick to schedule.

Deputy transport commissioner A. Mohan said 18 vehicles had been seized in different places for fleecing passengers.

The RTC has got 60 Hyderabad-bound special buses running, with 50 per cent extra fare. RTC regional manager R.V.S. Nageswara Rao said specials were being run to other places like Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada without any extra charge. He said RTC would run the special buses on Monday to clearing the rush.