Revised vehicle fares implemented in city

Kolkata: The hike in the fare of bus and other public transport vehicles was implemented on Monday, with most of the commuters accepting it.

The state government was compelled to give its nod for increasing the fare of bus and other modes of transport, as the Centre "remained indifferent" in bringing down the diesel price.

The decision to increase the bus fare was taken following a high level meeting held in the state secretariat Nabanna. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the state Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari and representatives of bus operators were present in the meeting.

Adhikari had apologised to the people of Bengal, stating that they had to give its nod for increasing the bus fare despite their unwillingness, as the Centre has done nothing to bring down the prices of diesel, despite repeated requests.

It was on June 8 that the state Transport department had issued the notification, finally declaring the hike in the fare. The minimum bus and mini-bus fare was increased to Rs 7 and Rs 8 respectively. At the same time, the minimum taxi fare increased to Rs 30 and it is for the first 2 km. At the same time, taxi fare for every additional 0.2 km has become Rs 3 and the luggage charge has become Rs 5. Similarly, there was minimum increase in the fare for tram and ferry services as well.

With the news spread about the increase in fare, the commuters were prepared to pay more to travel from one point to another. The new fare chart was put up in all the buses and commuters were found checking the same before paying their fare on the first day after the fare was increased. Taxi drivers were also found explaining to the commuters the increase in the fare.

Madhumita Ghosh, teacher of a private school, said: "The state government had nothing to do apart from increasing the fare as buses need diesel to ply and its price has skyrocketed."

Manojit Ghosal, a helper of a private bus, said: "The increase in the fare has not left any affect on the number of passengers."