Punjab’s Bhagwant Mann government first increased the price of petrol and diesel by increasing VAT. Now the government’s own transport department has increased the bus fares. The Punjab Transport Department on Saturday announced a 23 paise per kilometer increase in bus fares for ordinary buses. This step has been taken two days after the state government announced an increase in value added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel by 61 paise per liter and 92 paise per liter respectively.
The fare of ordinary buses has been increased by 23 paise per passenger per kilometre to 145 paise. The fare of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) buses has been raised by 28 paise to 174 paise per passenger per kilometre. The fare of integral coaches has been raised by 41 paise to 261 paise and that of super integral coaches by 46 paise to 290 paise. Punjab Roadways General Manager Navraj Batish said the revised fares will be applicable to all buses, including those operated by Punjab Roadways, PRTC and private companies, across the state.
“The hike in fares was long overdue as the last hike was three-four years ago. The move is expected to boost the revenue of the transport department, which has been badly hit by the free bus travel facility for women,” he said.
According to the notification, if the fare is Rs 12.5, then passengers will have to pay at least Rs 15.
Shamsher Singh, president of the bus union at the Ludhiana depot, said, “The cash-strapped government has been giving freebies and now it is taking money out of the common man’s pocket to bear the financial burden.”