The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has clarified that there has been no increase in the fare of its ordinary bus monthly pass within Bengaluru city limits, following reports suggesting a hike in pass charges.
In a statement issued on Monday, BMTC said the monthly pass for travel on ordinary buses within city limits continues to cost ₹1,200.
₹1,500 pass meant for extended routes
The corporation explained that the recently introduced ₹1,500 monthly pass is intended for commuters travelling on routes operating in the expanded service area beyond Bengaluru’s city limits.
According to BMTC, the higher-priced pass should not be interpreted as a revision of the existing city bus pass fare.
Operational area expanded
BMTC noted that the government has gradually expanded its operational jurisdiction over the years to meet growing public transport demand.
Initially permitted to operate services up to 20 kilometres beyond Bengaluru city limits, the corporation’s reach was extended to 25 kilometres beyond BBMP limits in 2014.
In January 2026, the government further expanded BMTC’s operational boundary to 40 kilometres beyond the limits of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).
Services now reach neighbouring towns
Following the latest expansion, BMTC has extended bus services to several neighbouring towns, including Kanakapura, Ramanagara, Channapatna, Magadi, Chikkaballapura and Malur.
The corporation said its service coverage has increased from approximately 40–42 kilometres earlier to nearly 65–70 kilometres from the city centre.
Network continues to grow
BMTC currently operates 6,295 schedules across 1,819 routes. Of these, 216 schedules on 96 routes serve the newly expanded operational areas.
Officials said the ₹1,500 pass has been introduced to benefit passengers travelling on these longer-distance routes while ensuring that regular city commuters continue to access the existing ₹1,200 monthly pass without any change