Private transporters are cashing in on the surge in demand for buses

Festive season has seen prices of private buses soar by 30-80 percent

Authorities filed over 60 cases against private buses for hiking bus fares

Private bus ticket prices in Karnataka have been hiked ahead of the upcoming festive weekend, with Ganesha Chaturthi falling on September 18.

Private transporters are cashing in on the surge in demand for buses as travelers plan an extended weekend beyond the city. This surge in intercity travel has resulted in a significant increase in fares for private buses.

While private bus tickets are typically more expensive than those offered by government-operated buses, this festive season has seen prices of private buses soar by 30-80 percent.

Private transporters defend the fare hike and say that the price hike is in response to the high demand during the festival season. While passengers pay more, they get better amenities in private buses besides getting seats amidst the demand and rush. They also say that when the demand is high, obviously prices will go up.

According to them, the only way to offset the losses incured during off season when only 8 to 10 passengers book tickets is to increase the fares when there is hike in demand. They further justify their hike saying that they also have to pay huge road taxes.

However, transport authorities have seized over 7 private buses and filed more than 60 cases against private bus operators for hiking bus fares and taking undue advantage of the festive rush and demand for buses.

Transport authorities are to keep a vigil on the bus fare hike by private bus operators till September 18 and take action.