Private bus fare hike looms; operators in Dakshina Kannada to meet on May 19

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Bus Operators’ Association will meet Tuesday (May 19) to discuss a possible fare hike following a Rs 3 per litre increase in petrol and diesel prices on May 15.

Private bus operators in the district last implemented a 10–15% fare hike in July 2021, association president Azeez Parthipady said. He told TOI that rising diesel prices and higher maintenance costs have put pressure on operators.

Chassis prices have increased by 30–35%, body-building costs by 30–40%, and grease, oil and spare parts by around 30%, he said. Battery prices and insurance premiums have also risen significantly. Operators also pay a tax of Rs 1,000 per seat every three months and manage EMI payments, Azeez added.

He said people of Dakshina Kannada and students have supported the growth of private bus services and that operators do not want to impose a sudden financial burden on passengers. However, he said a fare hike now appears necessary. The association would study the issue carefully before making a decision and approaching the district administration.

Responding to a question about shifting to electric buses with a subsidy, Azeez said the govt “does not give us whatever we ask for” and recalled that private operators received no support during the Covid-19 pandemic despite promises of subsidies, while they were still required to pay taxes.

He said electric buses are more expensive and costlier to maintain, and added that the city currently lacks proper infrastructure to support them.

Urging the govt to extend the same tax exemptions given to KSRTC to private operators, including a 50% tax reduction and diesel subsidies, Azeez said such measures could help avoid a fare hike. Operators would continue to offer students concessional bus passes, he added.