KSRTC makes space for pets on board

Dogs are not less privileged than humans and cats are equal to children, at least according to KSRTC's fare chart, which is part of a circular revising luggage charges.

Regularising the provision for carrying pets on buses, the Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has come up with fixed additional fares.

"There was a time when passengers rarely used to carry pets. The circular is aimed at spreading awareness among employees so that there is no confusion over allowing animals on board," a KSRTC official said.

The latest circular, which will come into effect from Thursday, directs conductors to consider dogs as an adult passenger and collect charges accordingly. Puppies, cats, birds and rabbits attract charges equal to the fares of children.

KSRTC officials, however, said it is the responsibility of the passenger carrying pets to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to others on board the bus. "Pets causing inconvenience have not come up. The provision to carry animals is aimed at helping rural and suburban people who usually carry poultry," KSRTC managing director S R Umashankar said.

The corporation has also increased the charges on luggage. Classifying luggage into four categories, officials have quantified additional luggage beyond 30 kg into separate units.

Charges for each unit have been increased by 50% in non-AC buses (base fare Rs 5) and 100% in AC buses (base fare Rs 10). The 30-kg limit applies to individual passengers as well as those travelling in a group or a family.