Karnataka Bus Travel Gets Costlier: KSRTC and BMTC Announce Steep Fare Hikes
Bus travel in Karnataka gets costlier as KSRTC and BMTC announce significant fare hikes for ordinary and express services. Check new rates here.
Commuters across Karnataka are in for a shock as state-run bus travel is set to become significantly more expensive. In a major move, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have announced a substantial Karnataka bus fare hike, with revised prices coming into effect starting tonight.
The price surge is not limited to the capital; it spans across the state, affecting millions of daily passengers who rely on these services for their commute.
KSRTC and Regional Corporations Raise Rates
The KSRTC has implemented an average fare increase of 23 per cent. This revision applies to ordinary and express bus services operated by KSRTC, as well as those under the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).
Impact on Ordinary Services
Passengers travelling from Bengaluru to neighboring towns on ordinary services will see a noticeable jump in ticket prices:
- Nelamangala and Hoskote: Fare rises from Rs 35 to Rs 44.
- Doddaballapura and Anekal: Fare increases from Rs 38 to Rs 47.
- Magadi and Malur: Fare jumps from Rs 46 to Rs 57.
Impact on Express Services
Those opting for faster express services will also pay more for their journeys:
- Kolar and Tumakuru: Price increases from Rs 81 to Rs 100.
- Mandya: Fare rises from Rs 110 to Rs 136.
- Mysuru: Ticket price goes up from Rs 160 to Rs 197.
- Hassan: Fare increases from Rs 219 to Rs 270.
- Chikkamagaluru: Fare jumps from Rs 295 to Rs 363.
BMTC Hikes Bengaluru City Fares by Up to 35%
Within the city of Bengaluru, the BMTC has introduced an even steeper hike, with ticket prices increasing by 33 to 35 per cent for both ordinary and air-conditioned Vajra bus services.
Ordinary Bus Fare Revisions
For short-distance commuters, the cost increase is tiered based on the distance traveled:
- Up to 2 km: Additional Rs 4.
- 2 to 4 km: Additional Rs 6.
- Longer journeys: Maximum increase of Rs 12.
Specific route changes from Kempegowda Bus Station include:
- Shivajinagar: Rs 12 increases to Rs 18.
- Yeshwanthpur: Rs 18 increases to Rs 25.
- Banashankari: Rs 23 increases to Rs 35.
- Attibele: Rs 30 increases to Rs 42.
- Vijayanagar: Rs 18 increases to Rs 25.
- Kadugodi: Rs 30 increases to Rs 40.
Additionally, travel from KR Market to Nelamangala and Hoskote will now cost Rs 40, up from the previous Rs 30.
Vajra AC Bus Fare Revisions
Premium travelers using the air-conditioned Vajra buses will also see their expenses rise:
- Up to 6 km: Increase of Rs 5.
- 6 to 18 km: Increase of Rs 10.
- Longer journeys: Increase of up to Rs 15.
This sweeping fare revision is expected to put an additional financial burden on daily wage earners and regular commuters who travel between Bengaluru and the surrounding districts.