AC bus fares to be cut, but not of non-AC: Karnataka Transport Minister

Bengaluru: “BMTC is considering reducing the fares of air-conditioned buses as the patronage has fallen to unprofitable levels,” Transport Minister Revanna told Deccan Chronicle. “We don't have such plans with non-AC services as of now, as BMTC is under losses,” he said.

This is in addition to the Transport Department's attempts to introduce less-traffic days on second Sunday of every month.

Starting February 2018, the aim is to encourage people to take buses by reducing day pass fares. Asked about lack of tax exemption, a demand by Bus Bhagya campaigners who believe state taxes are the biggest hurdle for BMTC to reduce fares and increase the number of buses, Revanna said, “We have waived of the Motor Vehicle Tax this year, but don’t have plans to waive of diesel and road tax. We have implemented concessional rates for students, differently abled, senior citizens, etc. I can talk to CM Siddaramaiah for further exemptions only in the next financial year.” Contrary to the view of the citizen-led campaign, BMTC Managing Director Ponnuraj said that tax support is not needed from the state. “Many people argue for budgetary support for BMTC, but if we start relying on the state for our operations, the quality will deteriorate. We will have to wait for the money coming in four instalments annually, to run day-to-day services. Reliability of services and cash flow will take a hit," he explained. The Cit
izens for Bengaluru group had said that BMTC bus fares were highest in the country. Responding to the government's view, Ms Tara Krishnaswamy, CfB member, said, “Reducing only AC fares, where buses run empty anyway is tokenism on one hand and elitism on the other. If they really want to reduce traffic, the state should reduce non-AC fares, which are used by majority of the 50 lakh commuters daily.”

“World over, model European countries have figured out that public buses have to be subsidised. It is only then the traffic will reduce on the road, as bus ridership increases. The BMTC must not turn down money on our behalf as they are here to serve the public," she said.