CTU bus fare hike on the cards

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 17

After a gap of four years, the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) is considering increasing the bus fare and the rates of passes for passengers.

Sources said the department had started the process to prepare the proposal after its losses started increasing by the day. While the CTU is facing a loss of Rs 80 crore annually, the rising prices of diesel have increased the loss, which is expected to touch the figure of Rs 100 crore this financial year.

The expenditure of the CTU is around Rs 220 crore while it has been earning only Rs 140 crore annually.

The sources said no increase had been made in the fare for four years despite the fact that the rates of diesel had increased many times during this period.

The sources said the CTU proposed to increase the rates for both AC and non-AC buses ranging from 10 to 15 per cent in three slabs. The CTU charges fare in three slabs. At present, commuters are paying Rs 5 for up to 3 km, Rs 10 for 3 km to 10 km and Rs 15 for over 10 km.

For travelling in AC buses, Rs 10 is charged for up to 3 km, Rs 15 for 3 km to 10 km and Rs 20 for above 10 km. The CTU had also mooted a proposal to increase the fare earlier, but it was turned down by the Administration as it did not want to burden the passengers. However, with the rising cost, the CTU has been left with no option but to prepare the proposal afresh, which will be put up before the Administration for approval.

You may have to shell out 10-15% more

Sources said the CTU proposed to increase the rates for both AC and non-AC buses ranging from 10 to 15 per cent in three slabs. An officer said the CTU was preparing the proposal in such a way that it would have minimum effect on the common man.