The Regional Transport Authority has revised the city bus fare, with effect from April 1. The autorikshaw fare has also been revised with effect from May 1.
According to a press release, the Udupi City Bus Owners’ Association had earlier increased the fare by 50 paise for every stage, but there was a shortage of 50 paise coins in the banks. This had led to frequent fights between the conductors and passengers.
The State government in its order dated June 20, 2011 had said that all fares had to be rounded up to a rupee. After holding discussion with the office-bearers of the association, bus owners, Consumers’ Forum and other organisations on February 16, the RTA has revised the city bus fares.
The minimum fare has been increased from Rs 4.50 to Rs Five. The new fares are (existing rates inside brackets): up to 2 km Rs five (Rs. 4.50), 2.1 to four km— Rs six (Rs 5.50), 4.1 to six km— Rs seven (Rs 6.50), 6.1 to eight km— Rs eight (Rs. 7.50), 8.1 to ten km— Rs eight (Rs. 7.50), 10.1 to 12 km— Rs nine (Rs 8.50), 12.1 to 14 km— Rs ten (Rs. 9.50), 14.1 to 16 km— Rs 11 (Rs 10.50), 16.1 to 18 km— Rs 13 (Rs 12.50), and 18.1 to 20 km— Rs 13 (Rs 12.50). “If the buses were found charging more than the fare prescribed, action will be initiated against them,” warned RTO H N Ramesh.
Auto fares
The RTA has revised the autorikshaw fares applicable to the three taluks of the district. The minimum tariff has been revised to Rs 20 for the first 1.5 km. It will be Rs 14 for every kilometre thereafter.
All autorikshaw owners should mandatorily install plug metres. The metre should be recalibrated according to the revised fares by April 30. The metres should be used from May 1.