TGSRTC has increased the prices of both general and student bus passes, with the new rates effective from today
The public transporter said it was forced to increase prices after a gap of three years because of higher operation costs.
For monthly route passes in Hyderabad and Warangal, the prices have increased from `150 up to 4 km to Rs 225, while 8 km has gone up from Rs 200 to Rs 300, 12 km has increased from Rs 300 to Rs 450, 18 km has increased from Rs 390 to Rs 585 and 22 km from Rs 450 to Rs 675.
The fares for the student general bus ticket passes have also been increased. The ordinary general bus pass price was increased by nearly 22 per cent from Rs 1,150 to Rs 1,400, while the Metro Express bus pass price was increased by 23 per cent from Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,600. The Metro Deluxe bus pass price was increased by 24 per cent from Rs 1,450 to Rs 1,800.
To solve the problem of heavy congestion of students during the morning and evening rush hours, the TGSRTC has decided to allow students with a city ordinary pass into the Metro Express buses as well.
When Deccan Chronicle contacted frequent commuters, many opposed the price hike and asked for improvement in the facilities provided.
R. Shashank, a private employee, said, "Since they are increasing the bus pass prices, they should also work on improving the ride quality. The buses right now are very bumpy and are very old. RTC should work on that."
"It is going to be difficult for me to renew the bus pass I have. But it is nice that now I can go in the Metro Express bus," said Sahiti Sri, a student who regularly commutes between Chaderghat and Ameerpet.
The Student Federation of India (SFI) unit of Hyderabad strongly opposed the price hike, demanding that the officials take back their decision. “The hike is a direct attack on weaker sections and economically weaker students. At a time when educational access should be improved, the government is raising barriers,” said T. Naga Raju from SFI.
Data for Infographics-
General monthly bus passes:
Existing- Revised
Ordinary: Rs 1,150 -Rs 1,400
Metro Express Rs 1,300 -Rs 1,600
Metro Deluxe Rs 1,450 -Rs 1,800
Student General Bus Ticket (HYD/WGL):
Monthly Rs 400 - Rs 600
Monthly Route Passes - HYD/WGL (City):
Up to 4 km: `150 - `225
Up to 8 km: `200 - `300
Up to 12 km: ` 300 - `450
Up to 18 km: ` 390 - `585
Up to 22 km: `450 - `675
Monthly Route Passes - Districts
Up to 5 km `150 - `225
Up to 10 km `250 - `375
Up to 15 km `300 -`450
Up to 20 km Rs 400 -Rs 600
Up to 25 km Rs 450 - Rs 675
Up to 30 km Rs 500 - Rs 750
Up to 35 km Rs 550 - Rs 825
