Mangaluru, December 23: After the toll collection began in the toll booth near NITK in Suratkal, the KSRTC has suddenly hiked the bus fare and the passengers feel the hike unreasonable.
The reason stated for the hike is that toll charges are being levied for vehicles at the newly opened tollgate on national highway- 66 near NITK at Suratkal. The toll plaza began functioning, on last Sunday.
It is gathered that the KSRTC has hiked the fares for express buses by five rupees per ticket and six rupees per ticket for Volvo, deluxe, semi deluxe, sleeper, and air-conditioned buses. The passengers find it hard to believe that the fares are hiked.
The tollgate at Suratkal levies charges of Rs 230 per day for Volvo buses. Hence, the KSRTC has to pay toll charges of Rs 2,300 for ten Volvo buses daily. Sources said, private buses moving on this route have not increased their fare.
Hike in this fare would make huge profits to KSRTC, taking into consideration the number of buses moving on this route as well as the number of trips they make, said a passenger.
Passengers expected reduction in fares due to fall in diesel prices, but this hike has disappointed the people.
