Karnataka to set up panel to regulate and streamline public transport fares

The State government has amended its Motor Vehicle Rules to set up a Public Transport Fare Regulatory Committee that will function along the lines of the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), ensuring that any fare revision for State-run transport corporations is based on financial analysis and public interest.

According to Transport Department officials, the committee will be headed by a retired official or judge and will study the financial health of transport corporations, including the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation, and other two transport corporations in the State.

“Its primary role will be to assess the operational and financial performance of these corporations and recommend fare revisions, surcharges, or other corrective measures as needed,” the officials said.

The notification also empowers the committee to suggest steps to enhance operational efficiency and financial sustainability. Transport corporations will be allowed to submit proposals for fare hikes or surcharges, which will then be examined by the committee before final adoption by their respective boards.