Mangaluru RTO launches drive against overpriced private bus tickets.
In response to the exorbitant bus fares being charged during the festive season, the authorities have formed a dedicated team to address the issue. The primary role of the special team is to monitor and regulate fares during the period from September 15 to 18.
Residents of cities like Mysuru and Bengaluru often return to their hometowns for various festivals. This upcoming weekend, Gauri Utsav will be celebrated on Sunday, followed by Ganesh Chaturthi on Tuesday. Generally, the Bengaluru to Mangaluru bus fare is Rs 800 on a regular weekend. However, the fare has already crossed Rs 1000, with the maximum fare increasing to Rs 2800.
Advance booking of seats for Ganesh Utsav has just started, raising concerns among people that fares may increase by three to four times as the festival approaches.
Expressing his stand, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, Private bus operators should not increase prices, especially when many people are traveling to their native places for the Ganesh festival. If anyone is found violating the rules, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) will take strict action.
KT Halaswamy, joint transport commissioner of Shivamogga division, outlined the measures being taken, A special drive will be conducted from September 15 to 18, in which four teams will be assigned to Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chitradurga and Davanagere and two teams each will be assigned to the state. To Shivamogga, Puttur and Sagar. A control room (0824-2220577) has been set up in Mangaluru, which will remain operational till 11 pm from September 15 to 18. In Mangaluru alone, we have already registered 129 cases of traffic violations.
In view of Ganesh Utsav, Puttur and Mangaluru depots of KSRTC are taking proactive steps to address the expected surge in demand. They are planning to introduce additional buses, including 30 additional buses from Mangaluru to Bengaluru and 25 additional buses from Puttur on September 15 and 16. If demand continues to increase, officials are ready to further increase the number of buses.
