Exorbitant omni bus prices

I travel between Chennai and Bangalore every week coz my work is 2 days a week hybrid model and I decided to stay at home and commute to chennai rather than paying the rent. (Rather unique situation I know). So, I usually travel during lean days like tuesday nights or thursday nights. But of late, I see that even during these times the ticket prices are unreasonably expensive. Like minimum 1200 to 1500 rupees for AC sleeper. I can't travel in train coz there is only one overnight train between chennai and bangalore and that is always booked. And I can't travel in SETC buses coz they don't provide blankets and aren't usually on time. Besides, I stay in the suburbs in Tambaram. Is there any way out? If I'm struggling, how are lower middle class peeps able to afford this?