The ruling Congress government on Thursday (January 2) approved a cabinet decision to hike the ticket fares of state-run buses from January 5. Here is why.

Karnataka's cabinet approved a bus fare increase of up to 15% across four state-run transport corporations, effective January 5.

Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil said the decision was taken in view of the substantial hike in operational costs such as increase in spending on fuel prices and staff.

Siddaramaiah-led state administration justifies the move citing the precarious financial condition of the four state-run road transport corporations and increased operational costs, Opposition says the government is “extorting the common man”.

Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil, addressing the press on January 2, stated that the fare revision was unavoidable due to rising diesel prices and labour costs.