Karnataka bus fare hike draws commuter and BJP criticism
Commuters and the BJP have criticised the Karnataka government's decision to increase bus fares across state-run transport corporations.
The Karnataka government has announced an increase in bus fares for state-run transport corporations, a move that has drawn criticism from commuters and the BJP. According to reports from The Hindu and Urban Acres, the revised rates for KSRTC and BMTC services are set to begin from Wednesday night.
The BJP has demanded an immediate rollback of the hike and the publication of the full loss accounts of the transport corporations. State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra said the increase would burden workers, students, and patients, accusing the government of passing on the costs of poor financial management to residents.
Commuters expressed dissatisfaction, noting that the hike follows recent price increases for milk and curd. A resident of J.P. Nagar, Prasanth Kumar, said the government should ensure financial discipline instead of passing the burden to taxpayers.
Another commuter, Rupesh N., warned that higher costs might drive people toward private vehicles, increasing traffic congestion.
In Bengaluru, the minimum ticket price for ordinary buses is set to rise from Rs 6 to Rs 10. For Vajra services, a 2 km trip from KBS to Maharani’s College will increase from Rs 15 to Rs 20, while an 8 km trip to Hebbala will rise from Rs 30 to Rs 40. Vayuvajra fares also see increases, such as the KIA-9 route to Kempegowda Bus Station rising from Rs 265 to Rs 300.