Karnataka: Private bus fares likely to increase soon?

Udupi/Bengaluru/Hubballi: Following the government’s decision to increase fares for State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, private bus operators in Karnataka are considering a hike in fares.

Private bus owners cite financial difficulties brought about by the government’s Shakti scheme, which offers free bus rides to women on government buses, along with rising diesel prices as the reasons for the hike. The government’s decision to increase KSRTC fares has further compelled private operators to deliberate fare hikes to offset their operational costs.

On Saturday, private bus associations held meetings in Davanagere and Chikkamagaluru to discuss the fare increase. The associations proposed that any hike in KSRTC fares should also be matched by private buses from the same date. However, an official decision on the matter is yet to be announced.

Key Concerns Behind the Price Hike

Private operators have pointed to several factors necessitating a fare increase, including rising diesel costs, increased employee salaries, and additional tax burdens.

Meeting with Transport Minister

The State Private Bus Owners’ Federation president, Kuilady Suresh Nayak, said that the association would soon meet Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy to submit a memorandum regarding the fare increase. “The government’s fare hike notification for KSRTC applies to private buses under the law. Hence, we will discuss this issue with the minister and finalize the fare hike,” he said.

Nayak added that private operators have not been permitted to raise fares in the last six years despite facing multiple challenges. “Now that the government has increased KSRTC fares, private operators will also follow suit as per the regulations,” he stated.

The association also discussed fare adjustments for city buses operating in Udupi and Mangaluru, as well as service buses across the coastal region. Nayak mentioned that suitable decisions will be made following further discussions.

“We will decide the new fare structure after a union meeting in Mangaluru post-discussions with the minister, irrespective of the government’s response to our requests,” added Nayak.

Balakrishna Bhat, representing the Chikkamagaluru Private Bus Owners’ Association, said that a proposal for fare hikes had already been submitted to the Transport Commissioner, but no action had been taken yet.

Chitradurga Likely to Follow Suit

Private bus operators in Chitradurga also hinted at a potential fare hike. The association’s secretary, G.B. Shekhar, said that government directions regarding fare adjustments are expected by Monday. Once received, district officials will hold discussions to determine additional fares per kilometer. A final decision is expected on January 6 following statewide discussions with government officials.