Long weekend bus fares: Private operators hike ticket prices sharply
Hyderabad: Long weekend bus fares surged sharply as private travel operators increased ticket prices amid heavy demand for Ugadi and Ramzan holidays.
With Ugadi on March 19, Ramzan on March 21, and Sunday falling on March 22, many people planned extended trips to their hometowns. In addition, employees took leave on Friday to create a four-day break, triggering a rush in travel bookings.
As trains and government buses quickly filled up, passengers turned to private travel services. However, operators significantly raised fares, making travel unaffordable for many.
For instance, the usual ticket price from Bengaluru to Hyderabad ranges between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000. Yet, during the long weekend, several private buses charged more than double these rates.
Long weekend bus fares spike on high-demand routes
Passengers reported that a non-AC sleeper ticket in a BMCC Travels bus was priced at Rs 5,700. Similarly, Maitri Tours and Travels charged Rs 4,999 for a non-AC sleeper seat, while Shaheen Holidays listed AC sleeper tickets at Rs 5,319.
Due to these steep increases, many travellers cancelled their plans and chose to stay back instead of visiting their hometowns.
Meanwhile, passengers expressed frustration over the lack of regulatory action. They noted that authorities usually warn private operators against fare hikes during major festivals like Sankranti, Dasara and Christmas. However, similar enforcement appears absent during long weekends.
Travellers also said fares from Hyderabad to Vijayawada and Godavari districts have increased, though not as sharply as on inter-state routes.
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