Mangaluru: Private bus operators in Dakshina Kannada district are considering an increase in passenger fares following a sharp rise in diesel prices and mounting operational costs. The proposal comes amid growing concerns within the transport sector over increasing fuel expenses, maintenance costs and pressure on revenue generation.
A meeting of the Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners’ Association has been scheduled for May 19, where members are expected to discuss and finalise the proposed fare revision. The outcome of the meeting could affect thousands of daily commuters, students and passengers who depend on private bus services across the district.
Rising diesel prices increase operational burden
According to industry sources, fuel costs have emerged as a major challenge for bus operators in recent weeks. The increase in diesel prices has significantly raised daily operational expenditure, prompting transport operators to explore fare revision as a possible solution.
Operators across Karnataka are reportedly considering a fare hike in the range of 20 to 30 per cent to compensate for increasing expenses. Some routes have already witnessed changes in ticket prices.
On the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route, fares that were earlier around Rs 899 have reportedly increased to between Rs 1,100 and Rs 1,200.
Bus operators stated that an average private bus consumes nearly 150 litres of diesel every day. They said the recent increase in fuel prices has added approximately Rs 450 to operational expenses per trip.
Apart from fuel costs, transport providers also cited increasing maintenance charges, staff salaries and permit-related expenses as additional financial pressures affecting the sector.
Global factors influencing fuel prices
Transport associations have linked the increase in fuel prices to developments in international markets.
The Karnataka State Private Bus Owners’ Association reportedly attributed the rise in diesel prices to ongoing tensions in West Asia and fluctuations in global energy markets.
Industry representatives believe international developments have created uncertainty in fuel pricing, which directly affects transport operators and businesses dependent on large-scale fuel consumption.
Such fluctuations often have a cascading effect on operating costs in public and private transport sectors.
Commuters concerned over possible fare increase
The proposed fare revision is likely to impact a large section of passengers who rely on private buses for daily travel. Students, office-goers and long-distance passengers may face increased transportation expenses if the proposal is approved.
Several commuters have expressed concern over the possibility of paying higher fares at a time when living costs and inflation are already placing pressure on household budgets.
Private operators also pointed to challenges created by the government’s Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel for women in state-run buses. Operators argued that the scheme has affected passenger numbers and revenue for private transport services.
Government says no fare hike for KSRTC buses
Meanwhile, Ramalinga Reddy clarified that there is currently no proposal to increase fares for state-run buses operated by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation.
The minister stated that any decision related to fare revisions for buses operating under state permits would need to be taken at the district level through a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner.
He also stated that only operators holding All India Tourist Permits are currently increasing fares and added that the government is monitoring the situation closely.
Other transport sectors may also witness revisions
Apart from private bus services, fare revisions may extend to other transport sectors as well.
Reports indicate that education transport services have already increased charges by up to 10 per cent. Tourist vehicles and passenger transport services are also expected to see fare increases in the range of 10 to 15 per cent in the coming days.
The upcoming meeting of the bus owners’ association is expected to determine the next course of action, with passengers and transport operators awaiting clarity on fare structures in the district.