In temporary relief for lakhs of passengers, the Transport Department has been asked by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to submit a fresh application for a fare hike.
After chairing a review meeting of the Transport Department and the transport corporations on Monday, the Chief Minister asked them to justify their demand for a fare hike. The corporations had sought a hike in fares citing rising fuel prices and the lack of revision in fares for four years.
Earlier his month, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) had rolled back the hike in student bus pass rates amidst protests from student organisations. This was attributed to a direction from the State government.
Electric buses
Mr. Kumaraswamy has directed officials to prepare a proposal on introduction of electric buses in Bengaluru while also urging all transport corporations to take up more people-friendly measures, an official release said.
Bus passes for workers
During the meeting, officials said they had written to the Labour Department proposing ferrying garment and construction workers in State-run buses, and passes at discounted rates for them.