Karnataka’s 15% bus fare hike: What it means for commuters, how the government justifies it and why Opposition is protesting

Story so far: Starting January 5, commuters in Karnataka are paying an additional 15% for tickets in all bus services operated by the State’s four Road Transport Corporations. However, opposition parties BJP and JD have criticised the move, arguing that the fare hike is a result of losses incurred by the RTCs owing to Karnataka’s Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel for women on State-run buses. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok posted on X, questioning, “How many more taxes and fees must Kannadigas pay to satisfy your government’s insatiable greed?” On January 3, Ashok staged a protest at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda Bus Station by offering roses to male passengers and apologising “on behalf of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.” He criticised the government for “making bus travel free for women while doubling fares for men.” Similar protests against the bus fare hike were organised by Opposition parties across Karnataka. The Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike has called for the immediate withdrawal of the Karnataka government’s bus fare hike, terming it “unfair and unjust.” BBPV member Vinay Sreenivasa condemned the decision, arguing that it disproportionately affects the working class, who depend on buses for their daily commute. “This fare hike discourages the use of public transport at a time when we need more buses and free public transport to address Bengaluru’s traffic issues.