Karnataka hikes bus fares across four state-run transport corporations
The revised rates for KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC services come into effect from Wednesday midnight.
Bus travel across Karnataka will become more expensive as fares for four state-run transport corporations have been increased, according to reports by Deccan Chronicle and ANI. The revision applies to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh announced that the revised rates come into force from Wednesday midnight. He told reporters that the hike is being implemented because the Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra governments have also increased bus fares, citing rising diesel prices as a reason.
Under the new structure, BMTC city bus fares in Bengaluru will see a maximum hike of Rs 10. The minimum fare on BMTC buses will increase from Rs 6 to Rs 10, while the maximum fare will rise from Rs 35 to Rs 45. For BMTC's premium AC Vajra services, the maximum fare will go up from Rs 75 to Rs 90, and Vayu Vajra services to Kempegowda International Airport will cost up to Rs 425, up from Rs 405.
The KSRTC fare hike has been capped at Rs 9, with an average increase of 23 per cent. Suresh stated that fares for luxury services, such as Rajahamsa and AC buses, were determined by keeping competitive market prices in mind.
The state government continues to provide free bus services to Karnataka women in non-luxury government buses under the 'Shakti' scheme.