Pune private bus and car operators plan 20-25% fare hike, cite rising costs

Travelling by private bus and car in Pune is set to become costlier. The Pune Bus and Car Owners Association has announced that it will propose a 20 to 25 per cent increase in fares. The association says vehicle prices, the price of diesel and other running costs are rising continuously.

The new fares for private buses, tourist vehicles and staff transport are expected to come into effect once the required process is completed. School bus fares will also go up from the next academic year. A proposal has already been sent to the Transport Department.

Association president Rajan Junvane said there has been no change in fares for five years. In that period, the cost of repairing and maintaining vehicles, drivers' salaries, RTO fitness fees and e-challan fines have risen considerably.

Association secretary Tushar Jagtap said, "The price of mini buses and Tempo Travellers has nearly doubled. Tyre prices have risen by about 50 per cent and oil prices by 70 to 80 per cent. This increase has become necessary to keep the business going."

The association's vehicles ply for weddings, religious trips, picnics, corporate employees and schoolchildren. Its representatives also allege that the facilities and relief given to government transport services are not being extended to private operators.

Association member Kiran Desai said operators are struggling with rising costs and are not getting full support from the government. The association has demanded that the government prepare an official fare chart for private vehicles, as it has for autorickshaws.

The proposed increase comes at a time when operators are increasingly worried about rising taxes, maintenance costs and stricter safety rules. They say these factors are making it difficult to run their business.