Despite conducting special drives to curb private bus operators charging excessive fares during the festive season, the Transport Department has failed to provide any relief to the public. Ahead of Makara Sankranti and Republic Day, the prices of most private bus tickets have been hiked anywhere in the range of 50% to 80%.
This month, due to the occurrence of a two-holiday series, private bus operators have raised their fares. The long-distance bus fares continue to be disproportionately high, with online booking platforms showing prices surpassing ₹2,100 for trips from Bengaluru to Mangaluru and over ₹2,000 for journeys from Bengaluru to Hubballi.
Travellers heading from Bengaluru to Shivamogga now face seat charges of up to ₹1,500, while the fare for the Bengaluru to Udupi and Belagavi route stands at approximately ₹2,000. On several other long-distance routes, fares are double the standard rates. Earlier, the Bengaluru to Shivamogga bus charges were ₹450-550, while the fare for the Bengaluru to Udupi and Belagavi route was ₹750 to ₹1,000 respectively.
