Public transport in West Bengal is set to get dearer with a group of ministers on Wednesday recommending hike in fares of state-run and private buses, mini buses, deluxe buses and taxis following increased diesel prices.
"At a 16-km radius from the city centre, the prices of bus tickets would go up by a rupee at every stage. The fare raise includes government and private buses, mini buses and deluxe buses," Industries Minister Partha Chatterjee told reporters after a meeting of the ministerial group on the issue.
The minimum bus fare, which was Rs.4 for long, would now be Rs.5.
Chatterjee said the minimum taxi fare has also been recommended to be raised from Rs.22 to Rs.25.
Further details are awaited.
Chatterjee said 500 new deluxe buses would hit the roads soon.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government was under intense pressure from transport operators to raise the fares in view of repeated increase in diesel prices.