2 weeks ago
Karnataka Bus Fare Hike Likely as Fuel Costs Hit Corporations
Many people in Karnataka ride government buses every day.
The person in charge of these buses said people may soon have to pay more for a ride.
This is because the fuel that buses need has become more expensive.
The bus companies did not raise ticket prices for a long time, even though fuel prices went up many times.
Because of that, the bus companies have been losing a lot of money.
A group of smart people is studying how much money the bus companies have.
They will give advice about whether raising the price is a good idea.
The leader of the government and other important officials will talk about it before deciding.
The person in charge also said the plan to buy new electric buses will still happen.
The goal is to keep any price increase fair for people.
Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh hinted at a bus fare hike, citing rising fuel prices.
The four state transport corporations have not revised fares despite more than nine petroleum price increases since the last revision.
A committee headed by retired IAS officer Atul Tiwari will assess the corporations' finances and the pros and cons of a fare increase.
The report will be discussed with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and the Cabinet before a final decision.
Electric buses will not be cancelled; procurement of 4,500 electric buses from the central government will continue.
- Who
- Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, the Cabinet, a committee led by retired IAS officer Atul Tiwari, and the state's four transport corporations including KSRTC.
- What
- A likely increase in government bus fares to ease the financial burden caused by rising fuel costs.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka, India; the minister spoke at the KSRTC central office.
- When
- The announcement was made on Saturday according to one report and Monday according to another; no date was given for the final decision.
- Why
- More than nine petroleum product price increases since the last fare revision have raised operating costs, and the corporations are running at annual losses of around Rs 8,000-10,000 crore.
Key facts
- Policy
- Likely bus fare increase
- Affected bodies
- Karnataka's four state transport corporations, including KSRTC
- Fuel price rises since last fare revision
- More than 9
- Annual losses
- Around Rs 8,000-10,000 crore (per one report)
- Review committee head
- Retired IAS officer Atul Tiwari
- Decision makers
- Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Cabinet
- Electric buses
- 4,500 to be procured from the central government; not cancelled
- Speaker
- Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh
Quotes
Byrathi Suresh
Karnataka Transport Minister
“Every year, the four corporations together are running at a loss of around Rs 8,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore. Where are we going to get the money from? Otherwise, we will have to shut down the corporations.”
m.rediff.com
“"There is no question of cancelling electric buses. The process to obtain 4,500 electric buses from the central government will continue,"”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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