Now, KSRTC to Hike Bus Fares?
Just a few days after the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) hiked fares, sparking protests from citizens, it has been revealed that the KSRTC is planning to raise the fares in the next few days.
Hinting at this, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday said KSRTC had sent a proposal seeking an increase in the bus fares before the elections. “But we did not accept the proposal at the time. The KSRTC Managing Director, who is on vacation right now, is likely to send a second proposal next month.”
He said there may be a marginal increase in fares considering the increase in diesel price. However, a final decision on whether or not to increase the fares, and to what extent, will be taken only after a detailed perusal of the proposal.
Last week, BMTC had announced a fare increase of 15 per cent.
“The state government provides subsidies to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) and on construction of roads. Why not the BMTC, which is the mode of travel for a majority of passengers?” asked Vinay Srinivas of Bangalore Bus Prayanikara Vedike.
On Tuesday, commuter meetings will be held at major bus stops in the city to discuss how the fare hike is affecting people and also to look at complaints of sexual harassment faced by women while travelling in buses.