Private bus fares soar after KSRTC hike; commuters face festive season burden
Commuters allege that private bus operators are taking advantage of the bus fare hike adopted by the State-run transport corporations and increased demand during weekends and festive holidays
Private bus fares have surged significantly after the State-run transport corporation, KSRTC, raised their prices, leaving festive season travelers in Bengaluru and neighboring regions facing higher transportation costs. Private bus operators have increased ticket prices on popular routes such as Bengaluru to Mangaluru, Hubballi, and Belagavi, with commuters alleging the hikes are excessive and unjustified.
A private bus operator claimed that rising fuel prices and other operational expenses have forced private operators to revise fares, while another pointed to a 5% increase in national highway toll charges and high annual road taxes as contributing factors. Despite the rise in KSRTC fares, commuters have criticized private operators for capitalizing on the situation and charging unreasonably high prices during the holiday season.
A Transport Department official assured that steps would be taken against operators who unfairly hike fares or mislead passengers, but the burden of increased transportation costs appears to be falling heavily on the shoulders of the traveling public during this festive season.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
