After VAT on Diesel, Petrol Hiked, Punjab Govt Hikes Bus Fares; Commuters to Pay More Per Kilometer

Chandigarh: The Punjab transport department on Saturday raised bus fares by 23 paise per kilometer for ordinary buses due to an increase in fuel prices. This move comes just two days after the state government increased Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel by 61 paise and 92 paise per liter, respectively.

In a notification released by the department, the fare for ordinary buses has gone up from 122 paise to 145 paise per kilometer per passenger. The hike extends to other bus categories as well.

Fare Hike Across Categories

For heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) buses, the fare has increased by 28 paise, bringing the total to 174 paise per kilometer per passenger. Passengers traveling in integral coaches will now pay 261 paise, a 41 paise increase. Super integral coach fares have been raised by 46 paise, making the new fare 290 paise per kilometer.

This fare hike is expected to affect daily commuters as fuel price volatility continues to strain public transport costs.

(With PTI inputs)