Karnataka bus fare hike': Commuters divided over choosing RTCs or private operators

Right after the Karnataka government announced a 15 per cent hike in bus fares across all road transport corporations (RTCs) effective from Saturday midnight, frequent long-distance travelers from Bengaluru have been divided in their opinion of choosing KSRTC or switching to a private bus operator.

While some KSRTC travelers have considered the possibility of switching to the more affordable private bus on certain routes, many travelers DH spoke to said that travelling on a high traffic route such as Bengaluru-Mangaluru and noted that they'd rather stick to KSRTC for the reliability and overall service.

Smaran Nayak, Assistant Manager at an accounting firm in Bengaluru, noted that he was a regular on private buses till 2023.

“I shifted to KSRTC because the pricing was predictable. Additionally, if there were any troubles on the road, a substitute bus would be sent within an hour. KSRTC buses are much more comfortable and reliable compared to private buses, where the good quality ones are as expensive as the KSRTC, if not more,” he said.

A non-AC sleeper bus by KSRTC would cost between Rs 917 and Rs 1,017, whereas the fares for a private operator’s non-AC sleeper bus would cost around Rs 700-800. Even if the prices were to go slightly higher, the cost-to-comfort ratio would be worth it, he added.

Vikas S, a student, explained, “I have always considered the price difference, and I have continued using the KSRTC even though private buses are cheaper. I think this will remain the case, even if a bus I pay around Rs 1,300 would cost around Rs 1,500 after this hike.”

Those that opt for a private service do so because the drop off or pick-up point is near their residences or because KSRTC buses are sold out in advance, especially during the weekends and festive seasons.

However, people have also expressed discontent with the decision. One such user posted on X, “KSRTC premium bus fares are already more than the private players. If they increase further, revenue will decline.”

Another user who titled his post with his initials KMS on Facebook noted that as a loyal KSRTC passenger who travelled in their buses for 40 years, he had decided to shift to private buses to save money.

A senior KSRTC official clarified that this would not negatively affect their “loyal” passenger base that relies on the positives offered by the corporation.