Now Reading: Private bus ridership rises 10% after KSRTC fare hike in Davangere
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Private bus ridership rises 10% after KSRTC fare hike in Davangere
The Story in Brief
Private bus operators in Davangere report a 10% rise in passenger numbers after the government increased KSRTC fares. The private operators have raised their own fares by up to 18%, but still charge less than state-run buses, drawing commuters from routes including Davangere to Chitradurga, Jagalur and Harapanahalli.
Davangere Private Bus Owners' Association honorary president Manjunath said some passengers still hand over the old fare and refuse to pay the revised price. Association president K S Malleshappa said the 18% hike still leaves them suffering losses, citing an annual tax of Rs 2 lakh per bus and the loss of 100 buses since the Shakti scheme was introduced. Daily commuter Veeresh said he switched from KSRTC after the fare hike, calling private buses more convenient.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The 10% passenger shift reported by private operators in Davangere shows a direct market response to the 18% fare gap, with a KSRTC ticket between Davangere and Chitradurga priced Rs 108 against Rs 90 on a private bus. Yet the operators themselves say they are still losing money, pointing to annual tax of Rs 2 lakh per bus and the loss of 100 buses since the Shakti scheme expanded free travel for women. The association's admission that some passengers still refuse to pay the revised fare suggests the new pricing is not yet fully enforced. Private operators say they will focus on service quality to retain the gains.
Source: deccanherald.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
