From August 1,bus ride will pinch your pocket

The last fare revision took place in February when the fuel prices were slashed.

“Last time when the prices of diesel and petrol were reduced,the state transport minister had asked us to reduce fares and we readily agreed. We had then told the government that our fares should be in accordance with the fuel cost set by the Centre. We had said that the only solution is either to go back to the previous fare structure or reduce the sales tax. We are happy that our voice has been heard,” said Swarnokamal Saha of Bengal Bus Syndicate which runs 6,500 buses in the city.

The Calcutta Taxi Association also welcomed the government’s decision to hike the fare by two per cent. “We are happy that fares of taxis have been made at par with the increase in fuel prices. Now,the fare for the first two kilometres will be Rs 22 and for every subsequent 200 metres the price will be Rs 2. Waiting charge per two minutes 12 seconds will be Rs 1.50 and luggage charges per package will be Rs 3,” said Taraknath Bari of Calcutta Taxi Association.