Passengers say private operators are fleecing them

Following complaints of overcharging, Transport Department instructs operators to follow fare structure of KSRTC and BMTC

Many commuters relying on private bus operators, who have been given permits by the government on account of the indefinite strike by road transport corporation (RTC) employees, have claimed that they are being fleeced Citing public interest, the Transport Department allowed private bus and van operators to ferry passengers from major bus stands in the city such as Majestic and Mysuru Road satellite bus terminal. The department also relaxed permit norms, providing tax benefits for a month so that more number of private operators run their vehicles. However, some of the operators, to make a quick bucks, are reportedly overcharging passengers. Sunil, who was waiting at the KSRTC bus station at Majestic, said, “I came from Chikkamagaluru on Thursday morning. Usually, for a non-AC bus, it costs ₹260 to ₹300, but the conductor charged me ₹600. I had some business-related work, so I had to pay double the amount and travel. I don’t know how much I will have to pay for the return journey.”