Bus fares increase across categories

Bhubaneswar: Bus fares in Odisha were increased on Friday following a Rs 3.25 per litre rise in diesel prices.According to an order issued by the commerce and transport department, fares for ordinary and express buses went up by 2 paise per km, while deluxe and AC deluxe bus fares were increased by 4 paise per km. Fares for super premium buses were raised by 6 paise per km.With the revision, ordinary bus fares increased from 88 paise to 90 paise per km, while express bus fares went up from 92 paise to 94 paise per km. Deluxe bus fares were revised to Rs 1.31 per km and AC deluxe fares to Rs 1.59 per km. Passengers travelling in super premium buses will now pay Rs 2.47 per km up from Rs 2.41 per km.Official sources said the fare revision was triggered by the increase in diesel prices from Rs 92.62 to Rs 95.97 per litre. “The fare for stage carriages other than town buses plying within the state of Odisha shall be fixed at the increased rate, which will be effective from the date of issue of the order,” the govt order stated.General secretary of the All Odisha Bus Owners’ Association Debendra Sahu said the hike was in line with the automatic fare revision mechanism. “Bus fares are increased by one paisa for every Rs 2 hike in fuel prices,” he said.He also urged the Centre and the state govt to reduce excise duty and VAT on diesel to help bring down fuel prices. “People will obviously face difficulties because of the steep hike in diesel and its impact on bus fare,” he said.