With no options left to offset the increased burden due to hike in diesel prices, the AP State Road Transport Corporation on Sunday finally decided to pass on the burden to commuters.
The RTC has increased fares from 10 to 12 paise for different services which would be effective from September 23 midnight. The RTC has increased fare by Rs 1 in Palle Velugu buses upto 25 kms and Rs 2 upto 45 kms and later 5 paise per kilometer. In the Deluxe and Express buses, the fare has been increased by 10 paise per kilometer and 12 paise in Super Luxury buses. However, the RTC has exempted hike in fares in Garuda, Indra and Vennela AC buses.
However, the officials said that additional charges would be imposed based on the rush of passengers during festival time.
The officials said that the hike in diesel prices have put an additional burden of Rs 350 crore on the RTC. As the government was not ready to bear the burden, the RTC took this inevitable decision as a last resort, the officials said.
–Agencies