Pay less for short-distance commute by BMTC buses

BENGALURU: Short-distance commute in both air-conditioned and non-air conditioned buses will be cheaper beginning Saturday. About half of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation's passengers could benefit from the fare revision announced on Thursday.

As ET reported in its edition dated April 3, the second stage fare of non-air conditioned buses has been brought down from Rs 12 to Rs 10. “This will benefit approximately 25% of the commuters as ridership is very high in the second stage," transport minister Ramalinga Reddy said.

“However, the fares on the third, sixth and eighth stages have been raised by Rs 1."

Each stage for a BMTC bus is roughly a distance of two km or three bus stands.

The minimum fare for air-conditioned buses is down from Rs 15 to Rs 10 in the first stage. While the second-stage fare remains the same Rs 20, the third and fourth stage at fares have been brought down to Rs 30 and Rs 40 respectively.

“This will benefit at least 30% of commuters as there is high ridership for air-conditioned services in the initial stages as compared to later stages," Reddy said.

BMTC managing director Ekro op Caur said the decision would result in revenue drop by at least Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh a day.