Bus owners demand fare revision

Bhubaneswar: All Odisha Bus Owners’ Association on Saturday issued a 10-day ultimatum to the state govt demanding an immediate revision of passenger bus fares in view of the sharp rise in operational costs over the past six years. The association warned that private bus operators across the state may suspend services if their demand is not fulfilled within the stipulated period.In a memorandum submitted to CM Mohan Charan Majhi, the association said bus fares were last revised in 2021 and have not been updated despite substantial increases in diesel prices, staff wages, insurance premiums, tyre costs, maintenance expenses and other operational parameters.The association cited 13 parameters that have witnessed significant escalation since 2020, including diesel prices rising from Rs 78.17 per litre to Rs 100.91 per litre, staff wages increasing from Rs 39,000 to Rs75,000 per month, and supervision expenses climbing from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per month.“We have requested the govt to revise bus fares by considering all the 13 parameters that directly impact the operation of passenger buses. For the last six years, operators have been bearing the burden of rising costs, making it increasingly difficult to sustain services," said Debendra Kumar Sahoo, president, All Odisha Bus Owners’ Association. As per the government notification in 2017, every year on April, thegovernment must review 13 parameters and revise the base fare accordingly. Which was not done for last six years. If the govt does not take a positive decision within 10 days, we will be compelled to stop bus operations across Odisha,” added Sahoo. The association also pointed out that although provisions exist for fare revision based on fuel prices and other operational costs, the mechanism has not been implemented regularly, pushing the passenger transport sector into a financial crisis.Transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said, “We had a discussion with bus owners’ association. Their concerns regarding fare revision and operational costs will be examined." The state govt will take an appropriate decision after reviewing all relevant aspects and consulting the concerned authorities,” added Jena. The development comes amid growing concerns among private bus operatorsover the viability of running services under rising input costs.