Prices of everything, including daily essentials and medicines are increasing and travel expenses are also going up from May 1. In addition to bus fares, the Cabinet yesterday approved an increase in auto and taxi rates. With the increase in fares among other hikes, harship of common man has been deepened.

The minimum fare on ordinary buses has been increased from Rs 8 to Rs 10. There is also a proportional increase in the fares in categories of fast, super fast and express. The distance covered by an ordinary bus on a Rs 10 ticket is 2.5 km. For each subsequent kilometer a fee of Rs 1. The hike in auto and taxi fares had already started levying even before the government officially announced it.

The increase in bus fares will be a huge burden for those who depend on the public transport. Charge hikes are always implemented without addressing the inaccuracy in fair stage determination. So you have to pay more for short distance travel. This is very evident in city services. The current increase in charges may be necessary for the survival of the transport sector. The bus fare here is much higher than other states. Yet KSRTC is at a loss. the main reason for the unprecedented traffic congestion in the state is the weakness of the public transport sector. In a state with a population of 3.5 billion, vehicles in the state are half that number. Having access to public transport that can always be relied upon can significantly reduce the number of private vehicles.

During the Covid period, bus fares were increased by twenty-five per cent. Beyond that, the current increase is an additional burden. Another thing is that private bus owners are not happy with the current increase. This is due to unaffordable fuel prices and operating costs. Disputes over student fares remain unresolved. The plan is to set up a new commission to study the problem. A strike can be avoided if action is taken to resolve the issue before the start of the new school year. The government needs to reach a compromise that is acceptable to both parties.