Punjab Transport Department Hikes Bus Fares Amid Fuel Price Surge

Punjab Transport Department Hikes Bus Fares Amid Fuel Price Surge

The Punjab Transport Department announced a hike in bus fares on Saturday, raising fares for ordinary buses by 23 paise per kilometre, in response to increasing fuel prices. This decision follows the state government’s recent increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel, by 61 paise and 92 paise per litre, respectively.

As per the notification issued under Section 67 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the new fare for ordinary buses has been revised to 145 paise per kilometre, up from 122 paise. The fare hike affects not just ordinary buses but also HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and other premium services. HVAC bus fares have risen by 28 paise, reaching 174 paise per kilometre, while fares for integral coaches and super integral coaches have been increased by 41 paise and 46 paise, setting new rates at 261 paise and 290 paise per kilometre, respectively.

Punjab Roadways General Manager Navraj Batish highlighted that this fare revision was long overdue, with the last increase occurring about three to four years ago. He explained that the hike aims to recover losses and boost revenue for the transport department, which has faced financial challenges due to free travel provisions for women.

“The fare hike is necessary to help the department sustain its operations,” Batish added. He also mentioned that the revised rates would apply to all buses operating across the state, including those run by Punjab Roadways, Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC), and private operators.

As per the notification, fares will now be rounded to the nearest ₹5 when the calculated amount exceeds ₹2.5. For instance, if the fare totals ₹12.5, passengers will be required to pay ₹15.

However, this decision has sparked discontent among transport unions. Shamsher Singh, president of the Bus Union at Ludhiana depot, expressed frustration: “The cash-strapped government is offering free services, and now, to manage the financial strain, it is passing the burden onto the common people.”

The fare hike is expected to provide a much-needed revenue boost for the department but has left many concerned about its impact on daily commuters.