Karnataka state-run bus fares increased across four transport corporations
The fare revision for KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC services comes into effect from Wednesday midnight.
Bus travel across Karnataka will become more expensive as fares for four state-run transport corporations have been hiked, according to reports by Deccan Chronicle and ANI. The revised rates for 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) come into effect from Wednesday midnight.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh told reporters that the hike is being implemented because the Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra governments have also increased bus fares. He cited the increase in diesel prices as a reason for the revision. Suresh stated that the KSRTC fare hike has been capped at Rs 9, while fares for luxury services like Rajahamsa and AC buses were determined based on competitive market prices.
In Bengaluru, BMTC ordinary bus fares will see a minimum increase from Rs 6 to Rs 10, while the maximum fare rises from Rs 35 to Rs 45. For BMTC Vajra air-conditioned services, the maximum fare will increase 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 has announced an average fare hike of 23 per cent. Under the new structure, express service fares to Mysuru will rise from Rs 160 to Rs 197, while travel to Hassan will increase from Rs 219 to Rs 270. Chikkamagaluru fares will rise from Rs 295 to Rs 363.
The state government continues to provide free bus services to Karnataka women in non-luxury government buses under the 'Shakti' scheme.