Bus fare hike was inevitable: Minister

Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy on Monday justified the recent increase in bus fares by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and other state-run transport corporations, by calling it ''inevitable''.

Citing the subsidised transport system in Tamil Nadu, Ramalinga Reddy said the ministry would seek assistance in subsidy from the government in the meeting that will be held on June 19.

“If we have subsidies, the prices will automatically come down. Although the government is not in favour of the hike, we are left with no choice but to increase the fares,” the Transport Minister said. He also announced that the NWKRTC would soon commence town bus services in 10 cities, including Belgaum, Chikodi, Hubli-Dharwad, Bagalkot, Haveri, Ranebennur and Gadag, and the KSRTC would start town bus services in eight cities.