ad_close_btn

Powered by :

BENGALURU KARNATAKA

Private bus owners drop fare hike protest amid government’s 15% increase for RTCs

author-image
Chaitanyesh
Updated On
Festive bus rush hike: Over 60 cases filed against private bus operators for hiking bus fares
Advertisment
  • Private bus owners drop fare hike demand after Karnataka hikes RTC fares by 15%
  • Shakti Scheme’s free travel for women impacts private bus ridership significantly
  • Operators aim to attract RTC passengers by keeping fares unchanged

Private bus owners in Karnataka have decided to withdraw their demand for a fare hike following the state government’s decision to increase fares for state-run road transport corporations (RTCs) by 15%. The move comes as private operators face declining ridership due to the Shakti Scheme, which offers free bus travel to women and has significantly impacted passenger numbers for private buses.

Also Read: Bengaluru: After bus fares, you may have to shell out more on Metro, water services too!

The Shakti Scheme has drawn a large proportion of commuters to government buses, leaving private operators struggling to retain their customer base. A fare hike, private bus owners believe, would further discourage passengers from choosing private services, worsening their financial challenges.

According to the Karnataka State Bus Owners Association, maintaining current fares is a strategic decision aimed at attracting some commuters from RTCs. Operators are optimistic that at least 10% of passengers currently using government buses may shift to private buses due to the affordability factor.

Meanwhile, the state government’s fare revision for RTCs is part of a broader review of public utility charges, with potential revisions in metro fares and water tariffs also under consideration.

This development highlights the ongoing balancing act between public and private transportation sectors in Karnataka, as both adjust to the evolving dynamics shaped by government policies like the Shakti Scheme.

Advertisment