om:27-rf-2025-Oct — Interpretation of the term ‘Public Bus'

Interpretation of the term ‘Public Bus' — Forum Query - Interpretation of the term ‘Public Bus' Summary This chunk discusses the interpretation of the term "Public Bus" in relation to Travel Allowance (TA) claims, particularly under niti's ... — I seek clarification regarding the term “Public Bus” as mentioned in niti's Handbook-2025 (Pgs. 268 and 269) under D. Mileage Allowance for Journeys by Road. As per the Handbook, officers at Pay Level 14 or above, 6 to 13-A, 4 and 5, 3 and below are entitled to reimbursement of the actual fare by any type of public bus (AC bus / other than AC bus / ordinary bus as per the eligibility criteria). In Geological Survey of India, officers frequently undertake field assignments across the country and travel is sometimes performed using private bus operators running scheduled public services. However, the PAO has returned TA claims when travel was made on private buses, interpreting that only Governmentoperated buses qualify as “public bus.” Kindly clarify whether “public bus” includes private buses operating on scheduled routes, or whether it is restricted solely to Government / state-run buses. This clarification will help in proper submission and processing of TA claims.