Karnataka: Private bus fares revised by 15% after 7 years

BENGALURU: The state government has issued an order increasing private bus fares by 15% after a span of seven years. The upward revision in fares is set to impact lakhs of passengers, especially when finances are stretched due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.
The department has fixed minimum and maximum fares for stage carriage buses which pick up passengers from various points by issuing individual tickets. It has also fixed fares for various classes of vehicles operating in different areas. As per the new rates, minimum charge for private stage carrier buses in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubbali-Dharwad, Belagavi, Mangaluru etc is Rs 8 for 2 kilometres. The next 2km will cost Rs 5.7 and subsequently, Rs 3.5 for every 2km.
The order was issued by M Sathyavathi, under-secretary to the government, transport department on July 29.
The fares will be one-and-a-half-times the prescribed rate between 10pm and 6am. This is also applicable during festive season in the state. However, the government has left it to the discretion of bus owners to fix the rates for high-end air-conditioned and non-AC buses with low flooring, automatic transmission, etc.