As the calendar inches closer to a series of holidays and the onset of summer vacation for schoolchildren, private bus operators have once again come under scrutiny for exploiting passengers with exorbitant fare hikes. With a significant increase in ticket prices, sometimes triple the normal rates, travelers are left grappling with steep expenses, raising concerns over affordability and fair practices within the transportation sector.
With at least three government holidays slated between April 7 and 14, many individuals have eagerly anticipated visiting their hometowns or embarking on short vacations. However, this anticipation has been dampened by the staggering surge in ticket fares orchestrated by private bus operators, taking advantage of the surge in demand.
Reports indicate that ticket prices for long-distance journeys have skyrocketed, leaving passengers shocked and disgruntled. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has attempted to mitigate the impact by deploying an additional 2,250 buses across various routes, coupled with a modest discount ranging from 5% to 10%. Despite these efforts, traveling via private transport has become increasingly financially burdensome for many.
A glance at the revised fares paints a picture of exploitation, with ticket prices soaring to unprecedented levels. For instance, the Bengaluru-Belagavi journey, which typically costs between Rs 500-800, has now surged to an exorbitant Rs 1,300-1,800 per seat. Similarly, fares for journeys to Davanagere, Chikkamagalur, Bidar, and Belagavi have witnessed astronomical spikes, ranging from Rs 900-1,800 against the usual Rs 450-900.
The blatant exploitation of holiday rush by private bus operators has sparked outrage among passengers, who are calling for regulatory intervention to curb such unjustified fare hikes. Many travelers, particularly those with fixed budgets and families, find themselves in a dilemma, forced to either bear the brunt of inflated fares or forgo their travel plans altogether.
While the KSRTC’s efforts to provide additional buses and discounts are commendable, they fall short of addressing the underlying issue of predatory pricing by private operators. There is a growing consensus among passengers for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent such exploitation in the future, ensuring that travel remains accessible and equitable for all.
As the holiday season unfolds, the plight of passengers caught in the crossfire of exorbitant fare hikes serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive reforms within the transportation industry to uphold the principles of fairness and affordability. Until then, travelers brace themselves for the financial strain imposed by private bus operators, navigating through a landscape marred by exploitation and uncertainty.