A Perspective on Vizag
Continues with charging increase fare
Visakha City, January 9, 2010
In spite of revision of the increased fare of APSRTC buses by the APSRTC buses by the State Government, the corporation authorities in Visakhapatnam are yet to implement the same, making commuters pay the hiked fare. On Thursday last, the APSRTC management unilaterally effected a stiff hike of bus fares by 20 to 25 percent, it hiked the minimum fare up to 4km from Rs.3 and Rs.5 and for the distance up to 10km to Rs.7.
Following large scale opposition by the people as well as the leaders of political parties including the ruling Congress, the State Government revised the fares just within 24 hours after the corporation hiked the fares. As per the revised prices by the government, the minimum fare for Pallevelugu buses up to 5km will be Rs.4 instead of Rs.6 which is still Rs.1 more than old fare. For a distance of 10km, the new fare would be Rs.5 instead of Rs.7. In respect of express services, the minimum fare would be Rs.10 instead of Rs.12.
In spite of the state government revising the fares for the benefit of commuters, the APSRTC authorities in the city are yet to implement the same. According to sources said that the Visakhapatnam APSRTC corporation said that they were yet to receive any order from the authorities regarding revised rates and it would be quite some time before the revised fares come into effect.
It may be recalled APSRTC has reported losing Rs.1.7 crore due to Samaikya Andhra bands and agitations. Supporters of the Praja Rajyam Party protested against APSRTC bus fare hike. The Government, subsequently, softened its stand on the sudden fare hike and has partially retracted its decision.