Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh cited rising fuel costs and mounting financial losses for the decision to increase fares.
The Karnataka government has increased bus fares across its four state-run road transport corporations, including the KSRTC and BMTC, according to Moneycontrol. The new rates, which apply to the KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, come into effect at midnight on November 4.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh stated the decision was necessitated by rising fuel prices, increasing employee-related expenditure, and significant financial losses. He noted that the corporations have accumulated losses of approximately Rs 10,200 crore. The average fare hike is 23 per cent for KSRTC and between 32 and 35 per cent for BMTC.
In Bengaluru, BMTC minimum fares have risen from Rs 6 to Rs 10, while maximum fares increased from Rs 35 to Rs 45. For non-airport Volvo Vajra services, the maximum fare for a 60-km journey has gone from Rs 75 to Rs 90. The maximum fare for Vayu Vajra airport services has also increased from Rs 405 to Rs 425.
Suresh addressed concerns regarding the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women on non-AC buses. He said the government reimburses the corporations for these journeys and that the scheme is not a source of losses. He noted that approximately Rs 6,362 crore remains outstanding from the state government for Shakti scheme dues.
The fare revision covers ordinary, express, and air-conditioned services. The increase varies based on the service category and the distance travelled.
