Karnataka hikes state bus fares by up to 35 per cent
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation faces an average increase of 35 per cent, while other transport corporations will see a 23 per cent rise.
The Karnataka state government has increased ticket prices for Bengaluru city bus services by an average of 35 per cent and for other transport corporations by 23 per cent. According to reports from Deccan Herald, The New Indian Express, and The News Mill, the revised fares came into effect from Wednesday midnight.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh stated that the decision was necessary due to high diesel prices, employee salaries, and the total liabilities of the four transport corporations, which stand at Rs 9,912.1 crore. He noted that diesel dues amount to Rs 1,111.88 crore.
For the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the minimum fare has risen to Rs 10, representing a 65 per cent increase. For BMTC's air-conditioned Vajra services, fares will increase by up to Rs 15 for longer journeys. The minister noted that long-distance premium services will not see an immediate price change as their rates are based on market conditions.
Other transport corporations, including the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), will see maximum hikes of Rs 18 for the first 10 stages. The minister denied that the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel to women, caused the corporations' losses.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar defended the move, stating the corporations were struggling financially and had previously lacked funds to purchase diesel. He added that the state would reverse the hike if the Centre reduced fuel prices.
The Public Transport Fare Regulatory Committee had previously recommended a 45 per cent hike for BMTC and 28 per cent for other corporations, but the government did not adopt all its suggestions.