BMTC fares will rise by up to 35 per cent while KSRTC and other services see an average increase of 23 per cent.
The Karnataka government has announced a fare hike for all four state-run transport corporations, with the new rates taking effect from the early hours of Thursday, November 5, according to reports by The Hindu and ANI.
Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) fares will increase by 33 to 35 per cent. Fares for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) will rise by an average of 23 per cent.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh stated the revision was necessary due to rising diesel prices, increased costs for maintenance and staff, and the financial losses faced by the corporations. He noted that the government chose a lower increase than the 45 per cent recommended by the Public Transport Fare Regulatory Committee (PTFRC).
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the state-owned corporations are facing losses and that the government recently provided funds when the corporations lacked money for diesel. He added that the state would reduce fares if the Union government rolled back diesel prices.
In Bengaluru, BMTC ordinary service fares for journeys up to 2 km will increase by Rs 4, while longer trips will see increases of up to Rs 12. For KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, increases range from Rs 9 to Rs 18 depending on the service and travel stages.
The BJP and JD(S) have announced statewide protests on November 5, accusing the Congress government of increasing the burden on the public.
