BENGALURU: The state government has agreed to consider the demand for a reduction in bus fares of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and other RTCs following a significant reduction in diesel price.
After receiving a memorandum from a delegation of BJP Yuva Morcha members seeking a cut in bus fares, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy told reporters on Monday that his department has an open mind about reducing bus fares as the diesel price has come down by Rs 6.1 a litre in the last few months.
He said, “I will hold discussions with officials of BMTC and KSRTC on the issue and then take a decision. We have to examine the revenue and expenditure of the RTCs and the implications of a reduction in fares.
“I am positive about the fare reduction as it will benefit commuters. We are aware of the sentiments of commuters too.”
On a question about the recent water tariff hike by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Reddy said the board had not hiked charges for the last nine years and had been incurring a monthly loss of Rs 32 crore.
Meeting Today
Reddy will meet senior officials from state transport utilities at 11 am on Tuesday to take stock of the financial health of the companies.
He told Express, “There are several expenses, including the increased dearness allowance being paid to employees, that are taking a toll on finances. However, with the recent decrease in fuel costs, we want to take a fresh look at the accounts.”
However, the minister ruled out any immediate change in fares. “Till we see what the financial condition is, I would not like to speculate. We shall decide if a reduction in fares is mandated after studying the finances,” he said.