Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jun 10: KSRTC has sent a proposal to the state government seeking permission to increase bus fares due to a considerable rise in the maintenance cost of the buses.

Since the Congress government assumed power in May 2023, women have been allowed to travel free on KSRTC buses. Additionally, the costs of diesel, spare parts, and bus maintenance have soared. Therefore, the corporation is seeking a bus fare hike.

The KSRTC bus fare was last increased in 2020. Since then, there have been significant changes. Diesel, which used to cost Rs 61 per litre, now costs Rs 90 per litre.

A high-ranking official of KSRTC has confirmed that the proposal to increase bus fares by 25 to 30 percent has been sent. He stated that more than 45% of the revenue generated by KSRTC is spent on diesel. The price of fuel has increased by 50 percent in the past four years. Previously, the corporation spent Rs three crore on diesel; now it spends Rs five crore. Therefore, KSRTC is trying to find ways to maintain its financial resources.

NHAI increases toll gate charges every year based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Similarly, bus corporations have a formula. Considering a 20 percent increase in employee salaries and a 46 percent increase in diesel and spare parts costs, ticket prices need to be increased by 40 percent. One official said that their priority is not making a profit but running the buses without losses.

The KSRTC official further stated, “The government will approve our proposal this year. We receive a grant every year in the budget to buy new buses, increase employee salaries, and construct more bus stations. However, after the announcement of the Shakti scheme, the state government has not given us any grants. We have to manage the state transport corporation with the revenue we generate.”

Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy also confirmed that he has received a proposal from KSRTC to increase prices.