Karnataka hikes bus fares across four state-run transport corporations
The revised rates for KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC will come into effect from midnight on November 4.
The Karnataka government has increased bus fares across all four state-run transport corporations, including BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, according to reports by The Hindu and The News Mill. The revised fares are set to take effect from midnight on November 4.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh announced that the average hike for KSRTC is approximately 23 per cent, while BMTC fares will increase by between 33 and 35 per cent. The Minister stated that the hike is intended to reduce losses and save the corporations rather than to make a profit. He attributed the revision to rising diesel prices, increasing expenditure on bus maintenance and spare parts, and the need for employee wage revisions.
In Bengaluru, BMTC ordinary bus fares will see the minimum stage-wise fare rise from Rs 6 to Rs 10. KSRTC ordinary bus fares will increase by up to Rs 9 depending on distance, with the fare from Nelamangala to Majestic rising from Rs 35 to Rs 44. KSRTC express fares will rise from Rs 81 to Rs 100, while long-distance bus fares will increase from Rs 75 to Rs 90.
Minister Suresh clarified that the Shakti scheme is not responsible for the financial difficulties of the corporations, noting that the government reimburses the cost of free tickets issued to eligible women. He also indicated that fares for premium services, such as Vajra and Volvo buses, could be revised periodically as required.