City Bus Fare Hike Sparks Outrage Among Hyderabad Commuters

The recent fare hike implemented by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has incited strong reactions from commuters in Hyderabad. Starting from March 18, 2024, passengers utilizing city bus services must now pay an additional ₹10, affecting approximately 9.4 lakh daily riders. This change is part of a broader adjustment that raises fares across various service categories operated by TGSRTC.

With an overall ridership of around 24 lakh passengers per day, many regular commuters have expressed their frustration. They argue that the increase feels unjustified, effectively penalizing city bus users who rely on public transportation. Peak travel times for city buses, typically between 08:00 and 10:30 hours in the morning and from 16:00 onwards in the evening, are particularly challenging for those affected by this adjustment.

The new fare structure imposes an additional charge of ₹5 for the first three stages of services such as City Ordinary, Metro Express, E-Ordinary, and E-Express. From the fourth stage onward, the increase rises to ₹10. For Metro Deluxe and E-Metro AC services, passengers will now incur an extra ₹5 for the first stage and ₹10 from the second stage onwards.

One commuter, Satyanarayana, who travels from Uppal to Secunderabad, shared his experience. “This morning I had to pay ₹35 for a ticket that used to cost ₹25. This means I will be spending at least ₹20 more every day because of this hike,” he explained, highlighting the financial burden placed on daily commuters.

In response to the outcry, a TGSRTC official defended the fare revisions, describing them as a “small burden on city passengers” that aims to enhance the public transport infrastructure. The official emphasized that the revenue generated from this marginal increase will contribute to the introduction of electric buses, which are intended to replace diesel vehicles across the Greater Hyderabad region.

As the city grapples with rising transportation costs, the TGSRTC faces the challenge of balancing fare increases with the need for improved services. The reaction from the public indicates a significant concern regarding the affordability of public transportation, and it remains to be seen how the corporation will address these issues moving forward.