Bus Day turns Black Day as commuters protest fare hike

While BMTC observed Thursday as Bus Day, thousands of commuters along with Bangalore Bus Prayaanikara Vedike observed the day as Black Day in protest against the recent fare hike.

A number of commuters were seen sporting black armbands at Majestic, Hebbal and Shanthinagar bus stands. A few commuters were also seen joining Vedike in distributing campaign pamphlets and requesting public to wear armbands.

 “Ironically, the Volvo buses have not been subjected to fare hike, thus not impacting a section which can actually pay more,” said a press statement, released by the Vedike.

“Bangalore Metro Transport Corporation (BMTC) is yet to respond to our memorandum submitted on June 28. It has been issuing press statements instead of interacting with the public. But we will continue our protest till our demands are met,” the release further stated.

Some of the demands put forward by the Vedike are, rolling back the fare hike, the BMTC bus fares to be fixed in a way that it does not exceed 5 per cent of the lowest minimum wages fixed by the State government, increasing the number of buses and routes to ensure better connectivity, introducing mini buses in interior areas and slums, providing shelters, toilets and drinking water facilities in all bus stops and bus terminals, providing protection for women and children in buses and initiating a public consultation on July 15 on making BMTC people friendly, equitable, democratic and transparent.