Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Sep 30: Private buses have doubled the charges in the wake of Dasara festival in spite of strict action warning by transport minister. RTO officials had raided many private buses and slapped fine on private bus operators who collected more charge from passengers. However, thick-skinned private bus lobby continued its do not care attitude and is charging double the usual price as fare.

From October 1 till 5 there are a series of holidays. From the evening of Friday itself, techies and company employees are leaving Bengaluru to their native places. Cashing on the situation, private bus operators have hiked the prices two fold. According to the information available on the website and booking apps of private buses till the night of October 5, the fare of private buses going throughout state from the capital city is two to three times more than usual.

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During normal days the fare from Bengaluru to Udupi is Rs 700 to Rs 750. From September 30 till October 4 this has jumped to Rs 1400 to Rs 1800. To Belagavi, the price was Rs 800 to Rs 900 in normal days. It has shot up between Rs 1100 to 1500. Likewise, fare to Hubballi from capital city has gone up to Rs 1200 to Rs 1500 from Rs 750 to 800. For Kalaburagi also, the price has shot up from Rs 800 to Rs 900 to Rs 1200 to Rs 1500.

Most of the private buses are full despite of the hiked prices. Some travel agencies are thinking of running additional buses.

If the private nus owners charge additional bus fare, passengers can inform the same on helpline by providing bus number and route. Immediate action will be taken said the transport department. The transport department has started helplines on 9449863249/9449863426. The transport department has requested passengers to raise complaint on these numbers.