Transport minister Byrathi Suresh hints at bus fare hike, cites diesel price rise

BENGALURU: Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh has hinted at increasing bus ticket fares in the backdrop of the fuel price hike.

Speaking in Bengaluru, Byrathi Suresh said, “Fuel prices have increased across the country. There is a proposal to increase ticket fares proportionately and it is still under review. We will speak with the CM, and the fares will be increased according to whatever decision the government takes”.

He further said, “All four transport corporations are running under losses. They are incurring losses of five thousand crore. That has to be compensated and staff salaries have to be paid. Diesel has to be filled in the buses, so, we will discuss and take an appropriate decision on ticket fares”.

Byrathi Suresh told Public TV, “I won’t say about whether it’s the Centre’s fault or the State’s fault, but fuel prices have increased across the country. There is no reason here to oppose the bus ticket fare hike and even BJP people know that fuel prices have increased”.

Regarding student bus passes, he said, “There is no problem with student passes, we will streamline and distribute passes. We will give free passes to all students”.

On the invitation to an open debate between Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Chief Minister D K Shivakumar regarding Bidadi Township project, by Minister Byrathi Suresh said, “Opposition parties should not politicize the township issue. Whatever it is, it should be resolved amicably. Has there ever been an open debate in history between a CM and a Union Minister? Is it right to go there and say ‘come for a debate’? This will damage the dignity of the state”.