Udupi: Come February 17, private bus owners will be hiking ticket fares by Rs 3 in those buses which move through Sasthan and Hejamadi toll gates, said Sadananda Chathra, President of Canara Bus Operator’s Association, on Wednesday, February 15.
Addressing media persons at a press meet held at Udupi Press Club here, he said that Rs. 3 toll cess will be charged on those passengers who move through Sasthan and Hejamadi toll gates. He explained that since the private buses have to pay toll charges of Rs 195 at Sasthan and Rs 160 at Hejamadi toll gates per trip, the ticket fare had to be inevitably raised. Therefore, as per the decision taken private bus fare from Udupi to Mangaluru will be raised from Rs 60 to Rs 63 whereas from Udupi to Kundapur the passengers should pay Rs 43 against previous fare of Rs 40.
“We have received an order through a government notification to increase fares and KSRTC buses have already started taking more fare on this route.With the earlier hike of Rs 5 in fares last month owing to the increase in diesel fare, taxes, loan etc, the total hike in bus fare per person now amounts to Rs 8 for Udupi- Mangaluru journey. However, through CCT RRID card 35 percent discount will be given to more than 25000 commuters. We are going to start cash card for daily passengers. Already we are providing 50 percent concession to students and also we are going to introduce prepaid payments by cheque also.”
Secretary Kuyiladi Suresh Nayak, Kishan Hegde Kolkebail, Gananath Hedge and other leaders were present during the press meet.
