Shimla: The state government has hiked fares for the long route buses of Himachal Roadways (HRTC) that offer night travel. The fares has been increased by Rs 20 per passenger.
The hike in the form of night charges is applicable only to the passengers travelling over a distance of more than 50 km in the night buses. The newly introduced night travelling charges would be applicable with immediate effect from late 8 p.m to 6 a.m in the morning. The list of revised night travelling charges has been already forwarded to all the HRTC depots of the state.
Transport minister G.S Bali had earlier indicated towards a possible increase in the regular bus fares but this sudden increase in form of night charges would in the burden on passengers of the hilly state and tourists alike.
The hiked percentage of night fare would be spent on extra-allowance provided to the drivers and conductors deputed in the night services by the transport department.
However, the latest decision by the state transport ministry could backfire seriously as the already burdened passengers could easily avail the services of buses from the neighboring states (with unchanged fares) in the wake of heavy hike in the night travelling charges.
A mechanical engineering graduate with a post graduation in marketing and sales, Ashish has combined professional experience of more than 4 years.
Ashish is a great fan of Martin Scorsese. He loves to write poetry in his spare time.
He lives in Shimla.
