After the decision of the state cabinet to increase the minimum bus fare from 5 to 10 rupees in Himachal Pradesh, the government is now preparing to provide relief. Now, two slabs are being made for the minimum fare. According to the new proposal, the minimum fare for two kilometers will remain 5 rupees only. The minimum fare for two to 4 kilometers will be 10 rupees, and for a journey of more than 4 km, the fare per kilometer will be charged as before at the rate of 2.19 rupees. The government can make this arrangement in the notification.
According to highly placed sources, some ministers in the cabinet meeting were not in favor of doubling the minimum bus fare. The proposal to increase the bus fare was brought in the cabinet meeting for the second time, so a decision was taken on it. This decision is being opposed all around. Now the government is considering finding a middle way. That is, the fare should increase and the burden on the people should also be less.
The maximum burden of doubling the minimum bus fare is going to fall on those who travel short distances. Even for a journey of one or two kilometers, people will have to pay a fare of 10 rupees. BJP is also making it an issue. CPI(M) has also opposed this.
In such a situation, the government is considering making two slabs of minimum bus fare to provide relief to those traveling short distances. That is, according to the format of the new slab, the minimum fare of Rs 10 will have to be paid only for a journey of 2 to 4 kilometers.
HRTC BOD had passed a proposal to fix the minimum bus fare from Rs 5 to 10 and sent it to the government. This has been discussed in the cabinet. Now the government is considering giving some relief in the minimum fare.