State government proposes 18% hike in bus fare

Following a steep hike in diesel prices in the last few days, the State government has proposed to hike bus fares of State road transport corporations by 18%. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and other regional transport corporations have incurred a loss of ₹186 crore during the last three months owing to hike in fuel prices, said Minister for Transport D.C. Thammanna. Addressing presspersons here on Tuesday, he said that the government proposed to hike bus fares of all transport corporations by 18% owing to the loss incurred by RTCs. Details of hike in different routes will have to be worked out and will be announced soon, he said. Replying to a question on handling the passenger rush during next week’s Ganesh Chaturti, the Minister said that the department will increase the fleet of buses to ensure smooth journey of passengers to different parts of the State. He ruled out increase in the bus fares during the festival. However, he said that the private operators will increase bus fares many-fold during the festival and expressed his inability to check hike in prices. Bus passes The Minister said that a decision on providing free buses for school and college students will be taken soon after consultation with Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. Already a majority of students have obtained bus passes by paying a fee. The Minister was categorical on providing free bus passes from the next academic year. Source: The Hindu