UDUPI: Private bus operators on Bangalore-Udupi route are raking in money in this season of marriages and ceremonies. They have hiked their fare from Rs 450 to Rs 600 to make the most of the auspicious times.
Vinutha Rao, who travels frequently on the route, told TOI that she had shell out an additional Rs 150 to reach the temple town from the state capital in a private bus last week. “I could not postpone my travel plans as I had to attend Upanayanam of a close relative. Seats in KSRTC buses and trains were all reserved well in advance, she said.
One of the travel agents of private bus service providers on condition of anonymity said that most private buses increase the fare during summers in view of holidays. This is inevitable as it is their way of making up for the losses incurred during off seasons, he added.
Sources in KSRTC, Udupi told TOI that KSRTC hiked bus fares in March. The fare to travel from Bangalore to Udupi is Rs 554 in Rajahamsa, Rs 820 in Volvo, Rs 845 in Ambari A/C sleeper. The fares were at Rs 490, Rs 750 and Rs 780 for Rajahamsa, Volvoand Ambari A/C sleeper respectively three months ago.
Sources added a relief will come only when the peak season ends in June.
