Autos lose, buses gain as passengers change transport amid fare rise

Kolkata: A sharp rise in auto fares across Kolkata has triggered a noticeable shift in commuting patterns, with passengers increasingly opting for buses for short-distance travel. The change comes in the wake of a steep hike in auto LPG prices—up by Rs 13 in two phases this month—prompting most auto routes to revise fares upwards.

The impact was visible on Tuesday as long queues at auto stands across the city virtually disappeared. Commuters travelling short distances of 3–5 km, are now choosing cheaper bus rides over autos. "It is impossible to pay Rs 30–35 for a four-kilometre ride every day," said Soumen Mondal, who commutes from Behala to Deshapriya Park. "I would rather take a bus for Rs 10. The discomfort is manageable if I can save money."


The fare revision follows weeks of resistance from trade unions, especially in poll-bound Kolkata. However, mounting pressure from auto route committees, majorities having allegiance to AITTUC, eventually forced unions to concede to the hike. Adding to the operators' concerns is a cap on fuel allocation, now limited to 10 litres of LPG per auto per day, further straining operations.

Bus operators are witnessing a surge in ridership. Tickets priced at Rs 10 are selling briskly, especially on routes overlapping with auto corridors in the southern suburbs. "Our daily ticket sales used to hover between Rs 7,800 and Rs 8,500, but in the past two days, it has crossed Rs 9,000," said an operator of route 235. "Most of the increase is from short-distance commuters who earlier preferred autos."

Operators on route 21/1 reported a similar trend. "Usually, bus and auto passengers are different groups. But now we are seeing many commuters switching from autos, especially between Behala and Rashbehari or Rabindra Sarobar Metro," said another operator. "This is more evident during non-peak hours when fewer autos are available."

For daily commuters, cost and reliability are becoming decisive factors. Surajit Manna, who travels between Behala Chowrasta and Tollygunge, said: "The auto fare has gone up to Rs 24, and even then the waiting time is long. The bus costs me Rs 11. I don't mind standing if I reach on time."

The shift has adversely affected auto drivers, many of whom report a sharp drop in passengers. "At least half of our day is getting wasted every alternate day," said Kaushik Sardar, an auto operator on the Beleghata–Sealdah route.

"If this continues, it could reshape the dynamics between Kolkata's para-transit systems and public buses, especially for short-distance travel," said Anirban Ghosh, a transport planner.