The state cabinet on Wednesday gave the nod to increase bus fares to be in force during the coronavirus crisis.

Earlier applicable minimum charge of Rs 8 for 5 km will now be applicable to a distance of 2.5 km.

Other slabs are Rs 10 for a 5-km ride, Rs 13 for 7.5 km, and Rs 15 for 10 km. For each of the next fare stage, the fares go up by Rs 2.

Transport Minister A K Saseendran presented the fare increase proposal to the Cabinet after Justice Ramachandran (retd)-led commission submitted recommendations to hike the fares.

Even though the commission had recommended a hike in student concession rates, it was shot down as educational institutions are closed at present.