Bus Fare Hike: Bus passengers in West Bengal may have to pay higher fares after Durga Puja. The state government is considering a revision of private bus and minibus fares following demands from transport operators, who have cited rising operating and maintenance costs.
West Bengal Transport Minister Arjun Singh said on Monday that a fare increase was long overdue and that the government would consider taking a decision after Durga Puja. He also said that operators would be expected to provide better facilities to passengers if fares are increased.
Why Are Bus Operators Asking for Higher Fares?
Private bus operators have been seeking a revision of fares for several years. Their representatives have pointed to higher fuel and maintenance expenses, along with other operational difficulties, as reasons for seeking an increase.
According to the operators, the existing fare structure has remained unchanged since 2018, making it increasingly difficult to run services under the current rates. The West Bengal Transport Department’s 2018 notification introduced the revised fares that took effect from June 11 that year.
During a meeting with private bus operators, several other issues were also discussed, including toll charges, penalties, vehicle-related concerns and problems affecting the operation of older commercial vehicles. The operators said a fare revision is needed to keep passenger services financially sustainable.
Better Services Expected With Fare Revision
The proposed fare increase has also been linked to improvements in passenger services. Arjun Singh said that if fares are raised, operators should provide better-managed buses and improve facilities for commuters, including services with air-conditioned buses.
The discussion comes as private bus owners continue to seek relief from the financial pressure associated with operating their vehicles. Representatives have also raised concerns over toll payments, road-tax penalties and other costs during their discussions with the Transport Department.
When Were Bus Fares Last Increased?
West Bengal’s bus and minibus fares were last officially revised in 2018. The Transport Department’s notification from that year set revised fares for non-AC stage carriage services operated by private operators and state transport undertakings.
Eight years later, private operators are again pressing for a revision, arguing that the cost of running buses has increased significantly since the previous fare change. However, the latest reports indicate that the government has not yet announced a final revised fare structure. The matter is expected to be considered after the Durga Puja festivities.