Pvt bus operators not to hike fares, hope to woo govt bus passengers

BENGALURU:

Private bus operators

have decided not to seek a hike in their fares, following the state govt’s decision to approve a 15%

fare hike

for state-run road transport corporations.
They opine that the

Shakti scheme

has already caused significant financial setbacks for them, and any fare increase could further harm their interests. They are hopeful of drawing more passengers from RTCs by maintaining current fares.
Karnataka State Bus Owners Association

president S Nataraj Sharma said, “We had discussions with private bus operators who have stage carriage permits and decided not to press for a fare hike immediately. We have already suffered huge losses after the introduction of Shakti Scheme, and any hike in bus fares would discourage people from travelling on private buses. We are hoping that at least 10% of govt bus passengers will shift to our buses.”
He demanded that the state govt limit the Shakti scheme to specific groups like BPL cardholders, elderly citizens, and students.

Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy indicated that the revised fares, which will come into effect from Sunday, will be issued shortly.
“Auto and taxi drivers have demanded fare revision. If private operators approach us seeking fare revisions on the grounds of an increase in operational costs such as expenses on diesel and others, we will consider the same,” he said.
Smart cards for Shakti scheme
The minister said that smart cards will soon be issued for beneficiaries of Shakti scheme. It is likely to be priced at Rs 100 or below. “Now, women are using Aadhaar cards. The smart cards will have all details of the beneficiary,” the minister added.