Karnataka government’s electric bus fare hike questioned over diesel price rationale

Bengaluru The Karnataka government’s decision to increase fares across Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) services has drawn criticism from commuters, who have questioned the rationale for citing rising diesel prices to justify the hike, particularly when a portion of the corporation’s fleet now comprises electric buses. The issue has gained attention in the context of the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, under which electric buses are operated by private contractors. Commuters have pointed out that several conventional diesel buses, particularly on Vayu Vajra services connecting the city with Kempegowda International Airport, have been replaced with electric buses. They have questioned why passengers using these services should also bear the burden of a fare revision primarily attributed to increasing diesel costs. “Inconsistent” Jagan Desai, a BMTC commuter from Vijayanagar, said that the decision appeared inconsistent with the government’s efforts to promote electric mobility and encourage people to use public transport.