20% bus fare hike in Nalanda

BIHARSHARIF: In the wake of high petroleum prices, owners of transport companies in Nalanda have decided to increase bus fares by at least 20%.
A passenger travelling to Patna from Biharsharif by an AC bus is required to pay Rs 110 against Rs 90. Fare of non-AC bus has been increased to Rs 85 from Rs 70. Fares for Munger, Begusarai and Jamui (100 km) from Biharsharif have been enhanced to Rs 120 from Rs 100 a passenger.A Gaya-bound passenger will now have to cough up Rs 110. Earlier, one used to pay Rs 90 for non-AC bus. Gaya is around 90 km from here.
President of Nalanda District Motor Operators’ Association Akshay Kumar said they have sympathy for the public but they too are helpless. “Not only the prices of petroleum products have headed north, cess, taxes and other charges also increased in the past few months. Permit fee was increased to Rs 7,500 from Rs 2,100. There was a significant increase in road tax and insurance charge as well,” said Akshay.
This is the second hike in bus fares in Nalanda during the last two months. In July, fares were increased by 20%. District transport officer Shailendra Nath said he had no idea about the bus fare hike and he assured to take appropriate action in the interest of the commuters.
Reacting to the current hike in bus fares, RJD actvist Pradip Kumar Arya said both the Central and the state government have turned a blind eye towards public welfare issues.