BENGALURU: The state government’s decision to hike bus fares up to 35% for Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and 23% and other state run transport corporations runs contrary to its policy of reducing traffic congestion and encouraging public transport use, say experts.
Speaking to TNIE, Krishna Raj, professor at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) and member of the State Expert Committee on Resource Mobilisation said rising expenditure on diesel, salaries, maintenance and spare parts, along with accumulated losses, could not alone justify the fare revision, as public service should remain the primary objective.
“The fare hikes by BMTC, KSRTC and Namma Metro are not commensurate with the government’s policies to reduce traffic congestion and increase public transport usage. It is ironic that the government wants people to use public transport but is making it more expensive. Different departments are working in silos instead of looking at the larger picture,” he said.
Raj urged the corporations to explore alternative revenue sources by monetising their land through rentals and commercial developments. Pointing out that private bus operators make profits despite charging fares comparable to those of public transport corporations, he said the state-run entities must address structural and management issues without compromising public service.
“The government has to provide these services at a reasonable price. Transportation is an essential service, particularly for people who depend on buses for daily mobility,” he said.
Vinay Sreenivas, a member of Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike, said, “Higher bus fares will lead to more hardship for the poor. They may walk instead of taking bus to reduce money, but this may tire them. Or they have to cut on food and other expenses to bear bus costs. The middle class may shift to two-wheeler. Overall, this will discourage public transport.”
He added that both the Centre and the state government have to take responsibility for the increase in bus fares. The Union government is responsible for higher diesel fares hence they are the cause for the fare hike, meanwhile the state government instead of spending money for elevated corridors and so on can keep bus fares lower, he said.
Satya Arikutharam, an independent mobility expert, said: “Irrational bus fare hike will further erode public transport mode share in Bengaluru. Buses and metro instead of collaborating to provide a powerful public transport alternative to the commuter, continues to operate in silos. In fact, for many journeys metro fares will become cheaper than bus fares after this hike.”
“BMLTA is supposed to recommend the fares for public transport but instead an ad-hoc committee was constituted. The state government unfortunately doesn’t understand the role and value of public transport in removing traffic congestion. Unfortunately it treats public transport as just a “subsidised mode” with barely any real investment or long term vision,” he added.