Kolkata: Private bus operators have sought a restructuring of Kolkata’s existing bus fare table instead of a steep across-the-board hike, arguing that buses have recently regained some passengers after auto fares went up and an excessive revision could squander that advantage.While most operators agree that fares need revision after years of rising fuel, maintenance and operating costs, several associations want the govt to periodically reviews fares in line with costs and ridership.One proposal being discussed among operators is to raise the minimum fare from Rs 7 to Rs 10 and restrict the first slab to 3km instead of the existing 4km. The next slab, up to around 6km, could be raised from Rs 12 to Rs 15, while fares for longer journeys, particularly beyond 9km within the city, could remain unchanged.“After the recent increase in auto fares, we have seen some passengers returning to buses. A steep fare hike could reverse that trend. What we need is rationalisation of the lower slabs, not a substantial increase at every stage,” an operator said.Sources said at least five bus organisations have compared existing bus fares with Metro and auto fares before formulating their demands. However, City Suburban Bus Service and Joint Council of Bus Syndicate said they would not prescribe their own fare charts.“We prepared bus fare revision reportsin 2021-22 but never published them . It will show what fare revision was considered necessary then on the basis of fuel and operational costs. Present costs can thereafter be factored in,” said City Suburban Bus Service general secretary Titu Saha.Saha also sought a reassessment of traffic penalties, arguing that owners should not invariably bear fines for violations committed by drivers. He suggested retraining or temporary suspension from duty for errant drivers in appropriate cases.Joint Council of Bus Syndicate’s Tapan Banerjee demanded a govt-backed mechanism for periodic fare reviews. “We need a fare structure that evolves according to actual costs and requirements, not another stop-gap measure,” he said.Kolkata Bus-o-Pedia general secretary Aniket Banerjee said the demand for revision was legitimate but warned against sharp increases. “There cannot be a Rs 5 jump at every stage. Any revision should be moderate,” he said.Commuters, meanwhile, said higher fares must come with better service. Bank employee Sagnik Roy said another increase would strain household budgets, while school teacher Sunita Mishra said operators should first ensure buses are roadworthy, comfortable and punctual.
