CPI(M) Demands Reversal of 145% Bus Fare Hike by State Government

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly condemned the state government’s decision to raise bus fares from a minimum of Rs 5 to Rs 12, amounting to a 145 percent increase, and has called for its immediate rollback.

The CPM also criticized the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) for increasing school bus rental fees by 50 percent, as well as for the rise in rates for subsidized Yellow Card, Smart Card, and Samman Card schemes.

In a press statement, CPM district secretary Sanjay Chauhan highlighted that, due to the absence of railway lines in the state, public bus service is the primary mode of transportation in both rural and urban areas. Therefore, any fare hike would disproportionately affect various segments of society, particularly farmers, laborers, students, employees, women, and youth.

“The government justifies the hike by claiming it is necessary to support the HRTC, but this reflects a policy of privatization in the transport sector, leading to continuous reductions in bus numbers and routes in the public sector, while private operators are granted permits primarily on profitable routes,” Chauhan stated.

He pointed out that the substantial fare increase, especially in urban areas like Shimla, which already struggles with severe traffic issues, is expected to have significantly adverse effects. “Hiking bus fares might push people to prioritize private vehicles for school, office, and other purposes, exacerbating traffic and pollution problems in the town,” he added.

Chauhan further noted that the global trend shows that the privatization of transport services has not yielded favorable results, with many countries now transitioning back to public sector operation and even offering free transport services in several cities.

The CPM has urged the state government to strengthen public sector services like HRTC to provide better transportation facilities for the people. The party has also warned the state government of protests if these decisions are not reversed.