Private bus fares soar after KSRTC hike; commuters face festive season burden

Popular routes connecting Bengaluru with Mangaluru, Hubballi and Belagavi have witnessed sharp increases as demand for tickets rises during the festive season.

Commuters travelling from Bengaluru to various destinations across Karnataka and other neighboring States are facing a steep increase in private bus fares following the recent hike in fares of State-run transport corporations, adding to their financial burden during the festive season when travel demand is high.

Private bus operators have significantly increased ticket prices on several routes, with commuters alleging that fares have surged disproportionately, particularly during weekends and holidays. Popular routes connecting Bengaluru with Mangaluru, Hubballi and Belagavi have witnessed sharp increases as demand for tickets rises during the festive season.

A private bus operator, who did not wish to be named, said that the increase in operating costs had compelled private operators to revise their fares. Since both public and private transport services depend on the same road infrastructure, the rise in fuel prices and other operational expenses has affected both sectors.

“The State government has cited an increase of more than ₹10 per litre in diesel prices as one of the main reasons for increasing the fares of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). Private operators are facing the same fuel price burden and have had to adjust their fares to maintain operational viability and profit margins,” he said.

Another private bus operator pointed out that a 5% increase in national highway toll charges, coupled with high annual road taxes on vehicles, had further increased operating expenses, putting additional pressure on the industry.

However, commuters have questioned the steep increases in private bus fares, particularly after the revision of State-run bus fares. They alleged that operators are taking advantage of the KSRTC bus fare hike, festive season and the increased demand to charge exorbitant prices.

Sangeetha M. from R.T. Nagar, Bengaluru, who was trying to book a bus ticket to Mangaluru, said that she was shocked to find that the fare had increased between ₹2,500 and ₹3,000.

“I was looking to book a ticket to Mangaluru, but the fares had shot up to ₹2,500–₹3,000. Such steep increases make travelling during festivals increasingly unaffordable for ordinary passengers,” she said.

Meanwhile, a Transport Department official said private operators holding All India Tourist Permits (AITP) had the autonomy to revise fares dynamically based on market demand and operating conditions.

“However, harassing commuters by charging excessively high fares and misleading passengers through inflated ticket prices cannot be tolerated. We will conduct checks and take appropriate action against violations,” the official said.