Pics: Nithin Pereira

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (NP)

Udupi, Jun 11: The Udupi District Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a protest in front of the deputy commissioner's (DC) office at Rajathadri, Manipal demanding the immediate withdrawal of the recent private bus fare hike implemented by private bus operators in the district.

Submitting a memorandum to the additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal, CPI(M) district secretary Suresh Kallagar alleged that private bus operators had unilaterally increased bus fares by 5 to 8 percent without obtaining approval from the district administration or the Regional Transport Authority (RTA).

Addressing the gathering, CPI(M) district secretary Suresh Kallagar said, "The private bus owners have increased ticket fares without obtaining permission from the district administration or holding any meeting with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). They have unilaterally increased fares by 5 to 8 percent. The reasons cited by the bus owners include increased staff salaries, maintenance costs, and rising diesel prices. We agree that the prices of all essential commodities and services have increased. However, we urge the bus owners to question the government about these price hikes as well. They provide several reasons for increasing fares but never speak against the government's policies. This shows a lack of concern for the people who depend on their services."

He further stated, “The bus owners should be more concerned about the people of Udupi. They did not protest when fuel and other costs were increasing. While they claim that fares have been increased only by 5 to 8 percent, in some rural areas the increase is nearly 50 percent. Recently, while travelling from Kundapur to Udupi, I found that the fare had been increased from Rs 60 to Rs 63. However, conductors were collecting Rs 65 and promising to return the balance Rs 2 later, which often never happens. Such practices are being carried out arbitrarily. People will not tolerate this for long, and there will be a strong reaction if bus operators continue to act according to their own wishes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, fares were increased on the grounds that only one passenger could occupy a two-person seat. However, even after the pandemic ended, the fares were never reduced and the higher rates continued. I urge the bus owners to restore the previous fare structure; otherwise, the people will not remain silent."

CITU district president Sashidhar said, "The government is failing to safeguard the interests of the people. It cites international conflicts and other reasons while increasing fuel prices, and bus owners are passing the burden on to passengers by raising ticket fares. However, it is unacceptable for private bus owners to increase fares without the approval of the district administration. The burden ultimately falls on ordinary people who rely on buses for their daily commute. In some cases, fares that were Rs 10 have gone up to Rs 20. During the COVID-19 period, people understood the difficulties faced by transport operators and accepted the fare hike. But instead of being withdrawn after the pandemic, the increased fares have continued and, in many cases, risen further. We demand that the government introduce more state-run buses and end the monopoly of private operators. Increased government bus services would provide affordable transportation and ensure that public welfare measures reach the people."

CPI(M) District committee member Balakrishna Shetty said, "The increase in bus fares by private bus operators in the Udupi-Mangalore region is unacceptable, and we strongly protest against it. We understand that operating costs have increased, but any fare revision must follow a proper procedure and be communicated transparently to the public through the government. When private bus owners announce fare hikes on their own, it creates confusion and hardship for passengers. We do not know on what basis these fares have been increased, but in many places the hike appears to be more than 10 percent. If such actions go unquestioned, operators may continue increasing fares whenever they wish. The district administration should introduce more government buses, which would greatly benefit thousands of daily commuters and ensure affordable and reliable public transportation."

The party condemned the fare hike, stating that operators had cited increases in diesel prices and vehicle spare parts costs as reasons for raising fares. However, CPI(M) argued that the hike imposed an additional financial burden on ordinary people and was against public interest.