THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: This time the bus fare hike is being implemented without addressing the inaccuracies in the calculation of fair stages.

When the hike was implemented on March 1, 2018, ordinary buses would be able to travel five kilometers (two fair stage distances) on a minimum charge. During the Covid period, when the charge was first increased and then reduced, the minimum fare was reduced from five to two and a half kilometers. The charge is being increased without returning to the old way.

The new ticket price on an ordinary bus is the same or more than the current fast passenger fare for short distance travel. At present, the minimum fare from Thiruvananthapuram to Ulloor (8 km) on a fast passenger is Rs 15. However, ordinary buses from Thampanoor via PMG will be charged at the same rate. Buses from East Fort via Statue and Kannammula cost Rs 18.

As earlier, if the distance to be travelled on minimum fare in ordinary buses will be changed to 5 km, it will cost Rs 13 or Rs 15 to reach Ulloor.

More than 60 per cent of the passengers on ordinary buses travel within 10 km. The most sold tickets in a bus is minimum ticket. The travel distance on this stage has been halved.