Bengaluru: The bus fare hike seems to be imminent with the State Government reportedly deciding to hike bus fares after the conclusion of the ongoing monsoon session of State Legislature, scheduled to end on July 26.

The State-run Transport Corporations (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC) have sought a 25 percent hike in bus fares in order to offset the mounting losses due to fuel price hike, wage hike, rise in spare parts prices, taxes and operational costs. A report submitted by the RTCs to the Government had recommended a fare hike of 25 percent as it had become difficult for the Transport Corporations to survive in the face of mounting losses due to various factors.

Pointing out that there has been a steady increase in the operational costs, the report said that the Government’s funding for ‘Shakti’ scheme that allows free travel for women, was meagre and at the same time the wage bills will increase following implementation of 7th Pay Commission recommendations. As such, the Government must approve fare hike, else the RTCs financial position will deteriorate with each passing day.

Taking note of all this, the Government is said to have given nod for a 12 percent fare hike and the announcement will be made once the ongoing monsoon session concludes.