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Puducherry commuters will soon experience a change in their daily travel expenses as the government has announced a hike in bus fares. This marks the first fare revision since 2018 and was implemented under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor Kailash Nathan. Sivakumar, the Additional Secretary of the Transport Department, confirmed the change. The increase is aimed at balancing operational and maintenance costs for the state's public transport system.
Fare Changes Across Categories
The revised fares affect various bus categories, from non-air-conditioned (non-AC) buses to luxury and express services:
- Non-AC Buses: Minimum fare increased from ₹5 to ₹7; maximum fare rose from ₹13 to ₹17.
- AC Buses: Minimum fare jumped from ₹10 to ₹13; maximum fare climbed from ₹26 to ₹34.
- Non-AC Luxury Buses: Minimum fare adjusted from ₹12 to ₹16; maximum fare increased from ₹36 to ₹47.
Express and Volvo Services
Express services also saw significant changes:
- Non-AC Express Buses: Fare per kilometer rose from ₹0.75 to ₹0.98.
- AC Express Buses: Fare per kilometer increased from ₹1.30 to ₹1.69.
The fare revision means travelers will now pay ₹3 to ₹8 more, depending on the service.
For premium Volvo buses, the fare per kilometer increased to ₹2.21 from ₹1.70. A 30-kilometer journey, which previously cost ₹54, now costs ₹70. Common routes also saw hikes:
- Puducherry to Cuddalore: Fare increased from ₹20 to ₹25.
- Puducherry to Villupuram: Fare rose from ₹25 to ₹30.
Balancing Costs with Services
This fare hike reflects the government's attempt to manage the rising operational and maintenance costs of public transport. While the increase may impact commuters' budgets, it is considered necessary to maintain service quality and efficiency.
As commuters adjust to these new fares, the move highlights the challenges of balancing affordability with sustainability in public transportation. The increase, though small for some, may create a notable change for frequent travelers. However, this step is expected to ensure the continued availability and reliability of transport services in Puducherry.
The fare revision underscores the government's commitment to improving public infrastructure, even as it requires adjustments from the community. Over time, this change may encourage further investments in better and more efficient transport facilities.
