MSRTC Extends 10% Ordinary Bus Fare Hike to July 31

The state carrier says rising diesel costs, coupled with losses in most divisions, make the temporary increase necessary as a proposed 13.5% permanent revision awaits State Transport Authority approval.

Overview

MSRTC announced on Wednesday that the 10% seasonal fare increase for ordinary and midi buses will remain in place until midnight on July 31 to shore up revenue.
The per-stage fare stays at Rs 11.05 and minimum fares remain Rs 14 for adults and Rs 7 for children, keeping the temporary price structure unchanged for daily commuters.
The corporation cited a sharp rise in diesel prices and higher operating costs as the main reasons for the extension and reported that 21–22 of its 31 divisions are operating at a loss.
MSRTC has launched a statewide diesel-saving drive that sets fuel-saving targets for depots and offers driver incentives to cut daily diesel consumption and operating outlays.
The extension is presented as a stopgap while MSRTC seeks a 13.5% permanent fare revision with fare-rounding to multiples of Rs 5, a proposal that remains under review by the State Transport Authority.