Private bus operators shock commuters by hiking fares

The Ugadi festival is fast approaching, and celebrations are beginning across Karnataka. With a series of holidays lined up alongside Yugadi, many residents of Bengaluru are planning to travel back to their hometowns. However, those attempting to book bus tickets are facing an unexpected shock: private bus fares have surged dramatically.

The prices for private bus services have reportedly doubled, with some routes seeing fare increases of up to three times. This steep hike has left travelers bewildered, as private bus operators seem to be taking advantage of the increased demand during this festive season. Despite prior government directives aimed at regulating such fare increases during the holidays, compliance remains elusive among bus operators.

The threefold increase in private bus fares has prompted many would-be travelers to reconsider or even cancel their trips altogether. Here’s a current overview of the fare increases for some popular routes:

• Bengaluru to Davanagere

• Current fare: ₹450 - ₹1300

• Holiday fare: ₹750 - ₹5500

• Bengaluru to Dharwad

• Current fare: ₹600 - ₹1100

• Holiday fare: ₹1069 - ₹5500

• Bengaluru to Hubli

• Current fare: ₹475 - ₹1100

• Holiday fare: ₹1200 - ₹4200

• Bengaluru to Belagavi

• Current fare: ₹389 - ₹1200

• Holiday fare: ₹1129 - ₹5500

• Bengaluru to Mangaluru

• Current fare: ₹650 - ₹1300

• Holiday fare: ₹1200 - ₹4500

• Bengaluru to Kalaburagi

• Current fare: ₹750 - ₹1000

• Holiday fare: ₹1200 - ₹2200

• Bengaluru to Raichur

• Current fare: ₹650 - ₹990

• Holiday fare: ₹1100 - ₹2990

• Bengaluru to Hassan

• Current fare: ₹463 - ₹1000

• Holiday fare: ₹750 - ₹1600

• Bengaluru to Yadgiri

• Current fare: ₹699 - ₹900

• Holiday fare: ₹1300 - ₹2200

• Bengaluru to Shivamogga

• Current fare: ₹500 - ₹990

• Holiday fare: ₹1199 - ₹1800

This pattern of fare increases during festivals and peak seasons is a recurring issue, with private bus operators seemingly capitalizing on every opportunity. Festivals like Yugadi, Gowri-Ganesha, Dasara, Deepavali, and Sankranti appear to be particularly lucrative times for these operators, underscoring the need for better regulation and oversight.

As travellers anticipate celebrating with family and friends, these exorbitant prices add an unwelcome burden to their holiday plans. Citizens hope for interventions that could mitigate such fare hikes in the future and ensure fair travel options during festive season.

Reacting to these allegations, Nataraj Sharma, president of the Private Bus Owners’ Association, denied claims of doubling ticket prices.

He clarified, "We have increased fares by only 50-60%, not 100%. The state government has not allocated even a single rupee for private bus operators in this year's budget. The ‘Shakti’ scheme has dealt a major blow to private bus owners. Additionally, road tax, insurance, new bus costs, and spare parts prices have all increased significantly. Hence, we had to hike fares during the festival season," he justified.