Public transport not only about revenues

The Karnataka government’s decision to increase bus fares by 15 per cent across the four regional transport corporations (RTC) has sparked significant public discontent. The fare hike is projected to generate an additional Rs 74.85 crore monthly, and help offset rising costs, primarily due to the escalation in diesel prices and wage revision for employees.

The last fare revision was in 2015 for BMTC and in 2020 for the other RTCs. With an average of 116 passengers relying on these services daily, the impact is significant. As if these were not enough, Bengaluru Metro fares are set to jump by 45-50 per cent, marking the first revision in eight years.

Under the revised tariff, the base fare will rise from Rs 10 to Rs 15, while the maximum fare will increase from Rs 60 to Rs 80. This raises a crucial question: would it not be prudent for the government to introduce small, periodic fare hikes, rather than imposing a steep burden on commuters?

These fare hikes have reignited the debate on whether public transportation should prioritise profitability or serve the larger interests of society, that is, promoting social mobility, reducing congestion, and mitigating environmental impacts. The government must strike a balance between the financial viability of transport corporations and the need for social equity.

Public transport serves as the lifeline for many, especially those in the low-income groups who depend on it to access employment, education, and healthcare. Rising fares could disproportionately burden vulnerable communities, risking their exclusion from essential services. Affordable public transport also offers significant environmental benefits including reduced reliance on private vehicles and thereby, lowered emissions.

Luxembourg, for example, has demonstrated how free public transport can lead to greater economic participation and social equity. Karnataka’s Shakti scheme, which provides free travel to over 64 lakh women every day on non-luxury buses, further illustrates how targeted initiatives can empower marginalised groups.

The challenge, however, lies in ensuring financial sustainability of public transport systems without compromising accessibility. The government should explore innovative funding options, such as non-tariff revenues – advertising, partnerships, or public-private collaborations – alongside subsidies that support free or reduced fares.

A holistic, integrated public transport system that offers seamless connectivity, unified ticketing, and easy transfers is crucial for maximising the social benefits of transit while minimising operational costs. Ultimately, public transport should not be seen solely as a revenue-generating enterprise.

It should be a tool for enhancing the quality of life, fostering inclusivity and contributing to a more sustainable environment. By adopting a comprehensive, forward-thinking transport policy, the government can build a system that is both financially viable and socially responsible.