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With a long weekend and Republic Day holiday, private bus operators have sharply increased ticket prices across key Karnataka routes, doubling fares and adding to commuter distress.
The long weekend, combined with Republic Day on Monday, has turned into a major burden for the common man as private bus operators sharply increased ticket fares across Karnataka. What should have been a convenient travel period has instead become a costly ordeal for passengers.
As soon as a series of holidays approaches, private buses are once again accused of unscientific and steep fare hikes, exploiting the surge in travel demand. Many commuters began travelling from Bengaluru as early as the weekend, only to face ticket prices that have nearly doubled overnight.
Passengers say the situation has become routine, whenever there are back-to-back holidays, private buses increase fares without justification. Despite repeated warnings from the Transport Department, including threats of licence cancellation, bus owners have continued to raise prices without fear of action.
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According to passengers, sleeper bus tickets that were available for around ₹800 just a few days ago have now crossed ₹1,400 in several routes. In some cases, fares have gone even higher, pushing travel beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Route-wise fare comparison highlights the scale of the hike:
• Bengaluru - Mangaluru:
Normal fare: ₹500 - ₹800
Current fare: ₹1,400 - ₹2,000
• Bengaluru - Udupi:
Normal fare: ₹600 - ₹750
Current fare: ₹1,650 - ₹1,699
• Bengaluru - Chikkamagaluru:
Normal fare: ₹550 - ₹600
Current fare: ₹1,500 - ₹1,600
• Bengaluru - Hassan:
Normal fare: ₹650 - ₹750
Current fare: ₹1,000 - ₹1,100
• Bengaluru - Belagavi:
Normal fare: ₹650 - ₹800
Current fare: ₹1,200 - ₹2,000
Commuters allege that the Transport Department has failed to effectively control these hikes, even though such increases place a heavy financial burden on the public. With limited availability of government buses during peak hours, many passengers are left with no option but to pay inflated fares.
