RTO launches initiative to prevent exorbitant fare hikes by private bus operators

In anticipation of the upcoming Ganesha Chathurthi festival, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has taken decisive steps to curb the exorbitant fare hikes often imposed by private bus operators during this festive season. A specialized team has been assembled to address this issue and ensure that bus fares remain reasonable for travelers. The dedicated team will actively monitor fare pricing from September 15 to 18.

It is a common tradition for people working in bustling cities such as Mysuru and Bengaluru to return to their hometowns for festivities during this time of year. This weekend marks the celebration of the Gauri festival on Sunday and Ganesh Chaturthi on Tuesday. Typically, the bus fare from Bengaluru to Mangaluru is priced at Rs 800, but it has already surged past Rs 1000 and, in some cases, even reached a staggering Rs 2800.

Advance seat bookings for the Ganesha festival have just commenced, triggering concerns among the public that fares may escalate three to fourfold as the festival draws nearer.

In response to these concerns, Ramalinga Reddy, the Transport Minister, sternly stated, “Private bus operators must refrain from raising prices excessively. If anyone is found violating these rules, the RTO will take strict action against them.”

K T Halaswamy, the Joint Transport Commissioner of Shivamogga division, explained, “A special enforcement drive will be in effect from September 15 to 18. Four teams will be deployed in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chitradurga, and Davanagere, while Shivamogga, Puttur, and Sagar will have two teams each. Additionally, a dedicated control room has been set up in Mangaluru (dial 0824-2220577), which will operate until 11 pm during this period. Notably, we have already registered 129 cases in Mangaluru for traffic violations.”

As part of the preparations for the Ganesha festival, the Puttur and Mangaluru depots of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) are introducing additional bus services. Specifically, on September 15 and 16, 30 extra buses will be deployed from Mangaluru to Bengaluru, and an additional 25 buses will operate from Puttur. Officials have indicated their willingness to further increase the number of buses if there is a surge in demand.