Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN)
 
Mangalore, Feb 5: The district committee of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) urged the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to lower the bus fares owing to the reduction in the rates of diesel.

Muneer Katipalla, district president, put forth this demand at a press meet held at the Press Club.
 
The bus fare should be brought down to what it was in October 2008, as the prices of diesel have come down, he said. From February 2008 to February 2009, there has been a 5 percent decrease in diesel prices, but the ticket fare has increased by 25 percent. So, the RTA  presided over by the deputy commissioner (DC) of  the district,  should call for  a  discussion between bus operators and  the public including social organizations to bring about revision of bus fares, said Katipalla.
 
Last year, when the price of diesel was hiked, the RTA allowed a 25 percent hike in bus fares though the DYFI suggested that this be only 10 percent. This request was rejected. But now our demand should be fulfilled, otherwise there will be a strong agitation, said Katipalla adding that the organization demands lessening the burden on the poor, who travel by bus.
 
He also set a deadline of eight days for the RTA to act on their demand. The organization   will also start a campaign through posters and also through public conferences.
 
Dayanada Shetty, district secretary, Ramesh, treasurer, and members Yogish Jeppinamogaru and L T Suvarna, were present at the press meet.