Punjab Bus Fare Hike: The Punjab government has shocked the general public by making bus travel expensive. As a result, more money will have to be spent on buses. On Saturday, the fare of buses in Punjab increased from 23 paise to 46 paise per kilometre. The state government has provided information in this regard.
The Punjab Transport Department said on Saturday that due to the increase in fuel prices, the fare of ordinary buses had been increased by 23 paise per kilometre. This step was taken two days after the state government announced an increase in the value-added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel by 61 paise per litre and 92 paise per litre, respectively.
Hike In Bus Fares In Punjab
According to the notification issued by the department on Saturday under Section 67 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, 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 increased by 28 paise to 174 paise per passenger per kilometre.
There Will Be Additional Income Of Rs 150 Crore
The fare of an integral coach has been increased by 41 paise to 261 paise, and the fare of a super integral coach has been increased by 46 paise to 290 paise per kilometre. Punjab Roadways General Manager Navraj Batish said the revised fare will apply to all buses across the state, including Punjab Roadways, PRTC, and private buses. With the increase in these rates, the government will get an additional income of Rs 150 crore.
Loss Due To Free Bus Travel For Women
He said, ‘The fare increase has been pending for a long time, as the last increase was three years ago. This move is expected to increase the revenue of the transport department, which has been badly affected by the free bus travel facility for women.’
According to the notification, even if the fare is slightly more than Rs 2.5, it will be rounded off to the nearest Rs 5. For example, if the fare is Rs 12.5, passengers must pay Rs 15. So if you travel 100 km, you must pay Rs 46 more than before.
Shamsher Singh, president of the bus union of Ludhiana depot, said, “The government, which is facing a cash crunch, is giving free facilities, and now to bear the financial burden, it is putting a burden on the pocket of the common man.”
