Bengaluru: In a major relief to the people, the state government has permitted private bus operators to start operations. Their demand for a 50 per cent increase in bus fare, however, has been rejected.
The private buses will, however, collect 15 per cent more fare from the passengers as they need to follow rigorous safety procedures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Speaking to the reporters after meeting a delegation of the bus owners’ federation, transport minister Laxman Savadi announced that by Tuesday, the private buses can start operations.
However, no night buses will be allowed to operate till May 30.
It can be recalled that in Karnataka, over 14,000 private buses are operated every day and is a lifeline for several villages which are not serviced by the KSRTC.
