Holiday Travel Surge Causes Private Bus Fare Hike in Bengaluru

Holiday Travel Surge Causes Private Bus Fare Hike in Bengaluru

With Ugadi and Ramzan coinciding this weekend, bus stations and railway terminals in Bengaluru witnessed a heavy rush of passengers traveling to their hometowns or holiday destinations. The increased demand led to a sharp rise in private bus fares, drawing criticism from travelers.

Steep Fare Increases Leave Commuters Frustrated

Many passengers were shocked by the sudden surge in ticket prices, with some alleging that fares had doubled overnight. As government buses and trains were fully booked, travelers had no option but to opt for costly private bus tickets.

Rajesh Kumar, a software professional traveling to Shivamogga, complained that his usual ₹600 ticket had increased to ₹1,200. Similarly, Sneha Krishna Rao, a college student heading to Mangaluru, noted that a ticket she initially saw for ₹800 had shot up to ₹1,400. She urged the government to regulate such fare hikes.

Bus Operators Justify Fare Increase

Defending the fare hikes, private bus operators cited rising operational costs. Nataraj Sharma, president of the Private Bus Owners' Association, denied that fares had doubled, blaming external factors such as road tax, insurance, and rising spare parts costs. He also pointed to the impact of the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women in government buses, reducing demand for private operators.

While passengers continue to protest against the fare surge, bus operators insist that the increase is necessary to sustain their businesses, especially during peak travel seasons.