Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jan 4: A 15% hike in bus fares across Karnataka’s state-run buses will come into effect from midnight tonight, January 5, as approved by the state cabinet. This increase will impact all buses operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC).

Starting January 5, fares for nearby districts will begin at Rs 11, while longer routes could see fare increases up to Rs 115. This fare hike will also apply to luxury buses, which haven’t had a fare increase in the last five years, aligning them with general buses for the first time in years.

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The new pricing structure is projected to boost monthly revenue by Rs 74.85 crore, pushing the collective annual earnings of the four transport corporations to Rs 1,052 crore.

KSRTC managing director V Anbu Kumar said, "Luxury bus fares have remained unchanged for five years, and this hike ensures they are now on par with general buses."

For Bengaluru city buses, fares will increase by Rs 1 to Rs 3. The fare structure will see an increase across various stages, such as from Rs 5 to Rs 6, Rs 10 to Rs 12, Rs 20 to Rs 23, and so on.

Additionally, KSRTC has released revised fares for buses traveling from Bengaluru to district centres. Notable fare increases include the Bengaluru to Mangaluru route, which will now cost Rs 453, up from Rs 423, and the Bengaluru to Udupi route, which will rise to Rs 516 from Rs 490.

Passengers are advised to take note of the updated fare structure, which will be effective from midnight on January 4.