Commuters hit by 15% bus fare hike, demand better services, more buses

The 15% hike in bus fares across Karnataka’s four bus transport corporations, implemented at midnight on Sunday, has sparked discontent among commuters on its first day. The fare hike, approved by the State Cabinet earlier this week, was formalised through a Government Order issued on Saturday.

The 15% hike in bus fares across Karnataka’s four bus transport corporations, implemented at midnight on Sunday, has sparked discontent among commuters on its first day. The fare hike, approved by the State Cabinet earlier this week, was formalised through a Government Order issued on Saturday.

The Order cited increased fuel costs, rising employee salaries, maintenance, and the need for fleet expansion as justifications for the decision.

Daily wage workers felt the pinch of the hike the most. “I travel from Bidadi to Bengaluru every day for work. Even a slight increase in fares impacts my already tight budget. The buses are also less in number and crowded. The government should increase the number of buses too,” Pradeep K., a construction labourer said.

The fare revision has been criticised as ill-timed by several passengers, who argued it burdens commuters already grappling with inflation.

The Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike (BBPV) has called for an immediate withdrawal of the bus fare hike announced by the Karnataka government, deeming it “unfair and unjust.” In a press release issued on Sunday, the vedike criticised the decision, arguing that it disproportionately burdens the working class, who rely heavily on buses as a lifeline for daily commutes.

“This fare hike discourages the use of public transport at a time when we need more buses and free public transport to tackle Bengaluru’s traffic woes. Penalising those who use public transport is a step in the wrong direction,” the statement read. The vedike proposed alternative revenue-generation methods, including implementing parking and congestion fees for private vehicle users, particularly during peak hours, and introducing a traffic cess for private companies based on their employees’ private transport use.

The BBPV urged the government to reallocate funds earmarked for large infrastructure projects, such as tunnel roads and flyovers, to strengthen Bengaluru’s bus system. “These projects have proven ineffective in solving traffic congestion. Instead, priority should be given to creating bus lanes and expanding the capacity and coverage of bus services,” the BBPV stated, also suggesting making car travel expensive through a congestion tax.