Statement of Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU)
KITU opposes the steep hike in bus fares across Karnataka’s four state-run transport corporations, with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) fares increasing by up to 67%. At a time when people are already struggling with the rising cost of living, this fare hike adds a further financial burden on millions of working people, students and ordinary commuters who depend on public buses every day to reach workplaces, educational institutions and other essential destinations.
Public transport must remain affordable and accessible to all. Moreover, increasing bus fares runs contrary to the government’s stated objective of reducing traffic congestion and encouraging greater use of public transport. Higher fares risk discouraging bus travel and pushing more people towards private vehicles.
Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union demands the immediate withdrawal of the fare hike and calls upon the Karnataka government to ensure affordable and accessible public transport for everyone.