Karnataka: School transport fee hike likely amid rising operational costs

Parents are set to face yet another financial strain as operators of school buses and vans in Karnataka plan to increase their service charges by 10-15%, citing a surge in operational expenses. This comes on the heels of recent hikes in the prices of essential commodities and fuel.

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The proposed hike is attributed to multiple cost escalations, including a Rs 2 increase in diesel prices, and rising expenses related to vehicle registration, permits, insurance, fitness certificates, and renewal of licenses. Operators argue that these cumulative costs have made it unsustainable to maintain current fare structures without revisions.

In Bengaluru alone, more than 15,000 school transport vehicles are operational. Currently, the average annual charge per student stands at around Rs 24,000. With the proposed increase, this could rise to nearly Rs 30,000, translating to an additional Rs 500 per month for parents.

Transport unions claim that despite repeated appeals to both state and central governments to reduce taxes and control fuel prices, no relief has been provided.

The ripple effect of these cost hikes is also expected to impact other sectors. Private buses ferrying factory employees and other commuters are likely to revise their fares soon, as operators attempt to cope with mounting financial pressures across the board.