Lights out: Private buses make a killing this Deepavali

Nischith N. | NT Bengaluru, Nov. 2

Private bus operators get a glint in their eye every time a long weekend rolls  around. The state trans- port department has al- ways been reluctant to cap  fares for private buses and this Deepavali, operators  are all set to make a kill- ing, doubling the rates for  long-distance passengers. An air-conditioned bus  from Bengaluru to Hy- derabad ordinarily costs  around `950, but this week- end, the same trip will set  you back by 1,600. “The pandemic and heavy rains forced many people to forsake their  travel plans,” says Sand- eep, a commuter.

“The  Ganesh Chaturthi and  Deepavali weekends pro- vided an opportunity but  exorbitant ticket prices may force them to rethink their plans.” Fares from Bengaluru  to places like Udupi, Man- galuru and Dharwad are  also soaring, bolstered by huge demand. Sources say rates are likely to increase further as the festival draws near and charges may go through the roof for last-minute bookings.  Many operators have also stopped offering return tickets.

 “It’s the same story ev- ery year. State-run buses  fill up quickly and errant  operators who fleece com- muters during long week- ends and festival seasons  get a free hand,” says Abhilash R., who booked a ticket from Mangalore to Bengaluru for `1,300. Buses leaving Bengaluru on Thursday and Friday as well those returning to the city on Sunday and Monday are the most in demand. Justifying the hike, private operators say the steep increase in diesel prices has forced their  hand, as have losses suf- fered during the pandemic.

 “Demand was consistently low last year because of COVID as people worked  from home and educa- tional institutions were  closed. It’s natural that prices go up to meet rising demand,” says Santosh, a public bus driver.