BMTC
Despite having a pass, we are forced to take an AC bus and pay extra or hire an autorickshaw, which means spending again,” said a commuter. Several passengers have also questioned the rationale behind the fare revision at a time when households are grappling with rising living costs and stagnant incomes. Many have linked the hike to the financial burden of the govt’s welfare guarantee schemes, arguing that regular fare-paying passengers are being made to bear the cost. “A lot of us who have bought monthly bus passes find that there are no buses on several routes in the evenings, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays.
Today, a commuter travelling from Vijayanagar to Majestic can reach the destination in eight to 10 minutes by Metro, paying around Rs 19 with a Metro card. In comparison, a BMTC bus journey now costs about Rs 25 and takes more than 30 minutes. The fare hike will only push more commuters away from public transport. Many will shift to private buses, carpooling and personal vehicles, defeating the very purpose of strengthening BMTC. Instead of burdening fare-paying passengers, the govt should review its free-travel policy. Govts cannot keep passing on costs to ordinary commuters. People are tired of repeatedly raising these concerns without receiving any response. This is the wrong time for such a decision. Prices of almost every essential commodity have increased, but salaries have not risen proportionately. People are already struggling with mounting household expenses. The govt should have considered the impact on ordinary citizens before taking this decision. The fare hike is frustrating and could influence public opinion in the future. S Babu, president, Vijayanagar Street Vendors’ Association This fare hike is completely unscientific. Naturally, commuters who are aware of this difference will shift to the Metro. Instead of attracting passengers, BMTC risks driving them away and suffering further losses. The govt cannot keep increasing bus fares and the prices of essential commodities without a corresponding rise in wages. Every such hike makes life more difficult for ordinary citizens and the working class. *An additional financial burden on middle-class and working-class households.