THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Private buses are allegedly looting Malayalis travelling back home for the holidays by demanding exorbitant bus fares. As Christmas approaches, the ticket price is increasing by Rs 500 to Rs 800 per day. The ticket prices on Bengaluru and Chennai routes are skyrocketing.

Seats can be booked online. As seats are limited, loot is on busy days. The Sabarimala season has also led to an increase in fares. At present, the Bengaluru-Thiruvananthapuram sleeper ticket costs up to Rs 1,800. Travel agencies said that this will likely increase up to Rs 5,000 by December 21. The fares may cross 6,000 - 7,000 on the 23rd and 24th. For KSRTC buses, the fares from Bengaluru range from Rs 1300 to Rs 1650. It is alleged that the private lobby is taking advantage of the shortage of KSRTC buses and looting the people. Private bus lobbies take advantage of the early sell-out of train tickets on these routes. Reputed companies are at the forefront when it comes to charging high ticket fares. The cost of a bus ticket, which was available for Rs 1,300 till yesterday, has suddenly risen to Rs 1,650. On the Bengaluru-Thiruvananthapuram route, an AC sleeper can be booked for under Rs 1,500 and a semi sleeper for Rs 1,300. These rates have risen to 2000 and 1800 respectively recently. At least during the holiday season, more trains and KSRC buses are needed, according to students, parents, and persons working outside of Kerala.

Bangalore-Thiruvananthapuram route- rising rate
Date- Ticket Price

14 - 1800

15 - 2625

16 - 2800

17 - 3150

18 - 3500

19 - 4400

20 - 4800

21 - 5000