KSRTC introduces flexi fare system for long-distance services within state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The KSRTC has also introduced a reform that increases ticket fares based on passenger rush, putting an extra burden on commuters. The flexi fare system, which had been applied only to inter-state services since 2018, has now been extended to long-distance services within the state as well. Ticket rates will not be the same throughout the day; fares will be higher in the evening than in the morning. As a result, passengers will have to pay more during peak hours when crowding is high.

The new fare structure is modeled on the system followed by long-distance private buses. However, KSRTC has clarified that it is not charging excessively high fares like some private operators. Still, passengers have expressed concern that fares may continue to rise in the future.

Initially, the government had allowed KSRTC to introduce flexi fares only for inter-state services during festival seasons. In 2018, permission was given to increase fares by up to 30 percent on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and to reduce fares by 15 percent from Tuesday to Thursday, depending on demand. KSRTC was also instructed to announce fare changes at least three months in advance. However, there are complaints that this rule is no longer being followed.

Thrissur costs more than Kozhikode

On Sunday night, a passenger travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Kozhikode on a non-AC bus was charged Rs 561, including an Rs 11 cess. Surprisingly, the fare to Thrissur on the same bus was even higher at Rs 571. Passengers travelling from Alappuzha to Kozhikode were also charged the same higher fare.

Fares will be reduced on less crowded days, says KSRTC

KSRTC officials said the system also makes it possible to reduce fares on days when demand is low. They noted that on certain occasions, including services operating from Bengaluru, tickets were sold at reduced rates. To manage the pricing mechanism, a control room has been established to fix fares based on booking trends, with real-time updates from depots being used to regulate the system efficiently.