BENGALURU: Notwithstanding the fact that
Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has not increased
bus fare since 2014, its rates remain one of the highest in the country, shows a study by an NGO.
Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike (BBPV), an NGO campaigning for better bus services, on Wednesday released its comparative study which shows Bengaluru has the highest bus fare for the first 5km among major cities in the country.
BMTC has the highest fare (Rs 15) for first 5km, followed by Mumbai’s
BEST (Rs 14),
New Delhi’s DTC (Rs 10), Pune’s PMPML (Rs 10). The cities where the rates are lower for the same distance are Chandigarh (Rs 5), Chennai (Rs 8), Kolkata (Rs 8) and Ahmedabad (Rs 8). A majority of bus corporations in these cities have hiked fares, following rise in diesel prices.
“BBPV believes safe, affordable, and comfortable mobility is a
fundamental right, one that enables all sections of people to realise their right to work, to education and to a meaningful social life and leisure,” a statement issued here read.
“It is no surprise that ticket fares of BMTC is the highest compared to any other city-bus service in the country, considering there is no adequate financial support from the state government,” BBPV said.
A delegation from BBPV met transport minister DC Thammanna and submitted a memorandum demanding reduction of fares. “We hope while taking a decision, the government keeps the interest of the vast majority of the working and middle class commuters in mind and also the fact that reduced bus commuting would mean more congestion and pollution,” the statement added.