Karnataka’s 15% bus fare hike: What it means for commuters, how the government justifies it and why Opposition is protesting Premium

Karnataka bus fare hike sparks controversy as commuters face increased costs amid rising operational expenses and criticism from opposition parties.

Story so far: Starting January 5, commuters in Karnataka are paying an additional 15% for tickets in all bus services operated by the State’s four Road Transport Corporations (RTCs). The move has come as a shock to people, who were just beginning the new year, 2025. The Congress government, headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, made the decision to increase fares aiming to generate an additional ₹74.85 crore in monthly revenue for the RTCs to make up for escalating operating costs.

However, opposition parties BJP and JD(S) have criticised the move, arguing that the fare hike is a result of losses incurred by the RTCs owing to Karnataka’s Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel for women on State-run buses.

The decision to raise fares follows sustained demands from the RTCs, which have been grappling with rising operational costs. The primary factors driving this increase include escalating diesel prices, higher staffing costs, and increased maintenance expenses, according to Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, who explained the reasons after a Cabinet meeting.

Patil stated that diesel, a key cost component, has seen a significant price surge over the years. For instance, in 2015, the cost per litre was ₹60.98. Daily diesel expenses for RTCs have increased from ₹9.16 crore to ₹13.21 crore. Similarly, daily expenses for staff salaries have risen from ₹12.85 crore to ₹18.36 crore, reflecting growing wage commitments. The upkeep of the fleet, which includes repairs and servicing, has also become more expensive over the years.

Despite these mounting costs, RTCs had not revised fares for many years. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) last increased fares a decade ago in 2014, while the other three corporations — Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) — implemented their last hike five years ago.

The fare hike has triggered widespread dissatisfaction among commuters, particularly those who rely on public transport daily. Many see it as an additional financial burden amid rising costs of essential commodities.

Manoj Kumar, a daily BMTC bus user, shared his concerns and said, “For commuters like me, this increase means allocating a substantial portion of our income to travel. With rising costs everywhere, this is an added strain. The airport bus I take daily was already expensive; now it’s even worse.”