TSRTC changes bus fares to ease ticket-buy process

Hyderabad: To address the problem of having to give small change in bus fares, TSRTC has rationalised the city ticket fare structure. The minimum fare for city ordinary buses is now Rs 5, down from Rs 7. The fare increases for longer distances. The new fares kick in on Monday for Hyderabad and Warangal depots.

TSRTC says this step was taken to avoid fights between passengers and conductors over change, which passengers often have to forego.

The fare for four km was Rs 8 and is now Rs 10. For 12 km, it has gone up to Rs 15 from Rs 13. The same Rs 2 hike can be seen for 30 and 40 km rides as well, which will now cost Rs 25 and Rs 30 respectively.

The minimum fare on Metro Express buses has increased from Rs 8 to Rs 10 and minimum fare on Metro Deluxe buses by Rs 1.

Some fares have stayed the same, but many have also been rounded off to Rs 10, Rs 15 or Rs 25 to avoid the problem of change.

Manju Kumar of Karkhana, says, “Change was a problem. Although the decision was taken with good intentions, it might be costly for people travelling shorter distances.”