DK bus operators defer decision on fare hike for a month

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Bus Operators Association (DKBOA) has decided to adopt a wait-and-watch approach for another month before taking a final decision on a possible hike in private bus fares in the city.

Confirming the development, association president Azeez Parthipady said that bus operators held a meeting in Mangaluru on Tuesday to discuss the issue, and agreed to review the situation again next month.

“A fare hike has become necessary as operators are already facing severe financial hardship. However, we do not want to take any decision in haste. We will observe market conditions for another month before deciding further,” he said.

According to Azeez, the extent of any fare revision would depend largely on diesel prices and prevailing market conditions. On the possibility of seeking government subsidies, he remarked that repeated appeals to the government in the past had yielded little response.

“Private buses have been serving the city for decades. We have approached the government several times seeking support, but nothing has materialised,” he said, adding that operators have repeatedly highlighted their difficulties while also keeping in mind the burden frequent fare hikes place on commuters.

The association once again urged the government to extend tax exemptions to private buses similar to those provided to Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses.

Azeez said several routes, including Kannagudde, Kuthethur, Saripalla, Thoudugoli, Kumpala, Mannagudde and Morgans Gate are currently operating at a loss. However, he ruled out reducing or discontinuing services on these routes, stating that it would severely inconvenience commuters.

“If services are reduced, people will be forced to depend on autorickshaws and taxis. It will especially affect students and daily commuters. After serving the city for so many years, reducing trips would only increase the burden on the public,” he said.