Karnataka: Bus and auto rides likely to get dearer after elections

BENGALURU: Commuting in the state will soon become more expensive as the government is likely to revise fares for buses and autorickshaws after the election model code of conduct expires on May 23.
While fares of state road transport undertakings (SRTUs) — BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC and NEKRTC — are expected to be increased by 18%, those of stage carriage private buses plying in places like Mangaluru and Udupi will also be revised.

Similarly, auto fares which haven’t been revised since 2013, are also likely to be hiked in the backdrop of unions demanding increase in minimum fare (first 1.9km) from Rs 25 to Rs 30 and every additional km from Rs 13 to Rs 15.

"Hike in bus fares will be implemented any time soon after elections but we are yet to decide on revising the auto fares. We are also considering revising bus fares every three months in accordance with fuel rates because diesel prices are fluctuating every month" said a senior government official.

Officials said the fare hike is inevitable as SRTUs haven’t increased tariff since 2014 despite spiralling fuel costs. While a fare hike of 18% was announced in September 2018, it was reversed by chief minister HD Kumaraswamy in less than 30 minutes.

“The decision to increase fares was delayed due to elections as the government didn’t want to make an unpopular decision. However, hike in bus fares is imminent in the backdrop of rising fuel costs, spare parts and maintenance, besides increase in employees’ wages,” said a senior official from one of the SRTUs. “In fact, we have already trimmed several loss-making schedules but it’s not financially viable to run the corporation without revising fares as there’s no financial assistance from the state government,” he added.

It may be recalled that the cash-strapped BMTC had lost the Centre’s subsidy of about Rs 75 crore as the corporation’s move to induct 80 electric buses was delayed after transport minister DC Thammanna insisted they be purchased and not leased.

Sadananda Chatra, general secretary, Karnataka Private Bus Owners’ Operators Association, said they have asked the government to increase fares by 25% because of the drastic increase in motor vehicle tax as well as diesel prices. “Many private bus operators in places like Mangaluru are finding it difficult to run buses due to the delay in fare revision,” he added.

Auto fares haven’t gone up since 2013. C Sampath, general secretary, Adarsh Autorickshaw Taxi Drivers’ Union (AATDU) said LPG rates, daily expenses, maintenance cost and other expenses have shot up over the years. “But there’s a fear among drivers that our businesses will be further hit if the fare is increased. We have been affected after the entry of cab firms like Ola and Uber,” he claimed.

Activists: Fare hike will make public transport unaffordable

However, activists say increasing fares will make public transport unaffordable, forcing people to use private vehicles, which will eventually lead to a rise in traffic congestion and pollution. Vinay Srinivasa of Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike (BBPV), an NGO campaigning for better bus services, said: “While BMTC has not increased bus fares since 2014, its rates remain one of the highest in the country. BMTC ridership is dipping with every fare revision as many passengers are shifting to cheaper options like two-wheelers. The primary reason is inadequate financial support from the government,” he adds.