City bus fare hike put on hold

The Regional Transport Office has put on hold the decision of the private bus operators to increase the city bus fares by eight percent, sources said.
The Dakshina Kannada District Bus Operators Association had decided to increase the bus fares in the city at all stages except stage one, by eight percent with effect from May 26. The fare of stage one would continue to remain at rupees seven.
The bus operators had increased the fares on the basis of a Karnataka High Court order dated August 7, 2013 stating that if the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) increases stage carriage fare, private bus operators can also do so with government notification, provided it is brought to the notice of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA).

RTA has now put off the increase till the RTA meeting convened on June 3, a statement here said.