APSRTC increases bus fares: Here are new rates
"This is not a burden on passengers. It is only a cess on emergency diesel", said APSRTC MD
By Newsmeter Network Published on 14 April 2022 3:28 AM GMT
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has decided to increase the bus fares. APSRTC Managing Director CH Dwarka Thirumala Rao said the fare hike has become unavoidable given the rise in fuel prices and financial difficulties faced by the company in the last two years.
He said there will be Rs. 2 hike in the ticket price for Palle Velugu Services and City ordinary services. The minimum fare will be Rs 10.
Likewise, there will be Rs. 5 hike in ticket prices for Express and City metro services and a Rs. 10 hike for Super Luxury & A/C services.
"This is not a burden on passengers. It is only a cess on emergency diesel. We want people to cooperate. Due to the increase in diesel price, the APSRTC cess charge has been increased," he said.
COVID reduced revenue
The company provides affordable travel and earned a sustainable position in providing facilities to commuters. Nearly 11271 buses carry 45 lakh passengers to their destinations covering 41 lakh km. "COVID-19 reduced the revenue by Rs 5,680 crore putting a burden on the company. RTC ticket prices were last increased on December 11, 2019. At that time, the price of diesel was Rs 87 a liter. Today, the price of diesel is Rs 107 per liter", said Thirumala Rao.
"On average, RTC consumes 8 lakh high-speed diesel (HSD) every day. With a 60 percent increase in diesel price, the company has to pay additional Rs. 3.2 crore. In addition, the price of tyres and spare parts has also gone up ", he added.
