Karnataka hikes bus fares for BMTC and other state transport corporations
The fare revision, effective from Wednesday night, includes a 23 per cent average increase for KSRTC and other corporations.
Bus travel in Karnataka will become more expensive as the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and other state-run transport corporations implement fare hikes starting Wednesday night, according to The New Indian Express.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh said the revision was necessary to address rising diesel prices, employee salaries, dearness allowance, and higher spare parts costs. He noted that approximately 80 per cent of total expenditure goes towards diesel and staff costs.
The BMTC has increased ticket prices by 33 to 35 per cent, while the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) will see an average hike of 23 per cent.
For BMTC ordinary services, fares will increase by Rs 4 for journeys up to two kilometres and Rs 6 for journeys between two and four kilometres, with a maximum increase of Rs 12 for longer trips. Vajra air-conditioned services will see increases of Rs 5 for up to six kilometres, Rs 10 for six to 18 kilometres, and up to Rs 15 for longer distances.
Under the KSRTC ordinary services, the fare to Nelamangala and Hoskote will rise from Rs 35 to Rs 44, while the fare to Mysuru will increase from Rs 160 to Rs 197. Express service fares to Chikkamagaluru will rise from Rs 295 to Rs 363.
Minister Suresh stated that the four corporations have accumulated losses of around Rs 10,200 crore. He also clarified that the fare hike is not linked to the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women.