Public Transport Fares Increased for Inter-Province Routes

Kathmandu. The Department of Transport Management has increased the fare rates for public transport operating across provinces nationwide. The Department decided to increase fares for both passenger and freight vehicles, effective from Baisakh 16, 2080.

The Department stated that this adjustment was made according to the theoretical agreement of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and the Department's scientific fare adjustment system. The primary reason for the fare hike is considered to be the heavy increase in the market price of diesel. According to the Department's automated system, there is a provision to adjust fares if the price of fuel fluctuates by more than 5 percent.

The Department noted that when fares were last adjusted, the average price of diesel was 180.83 rupees per liter, whereas it has now increased by 30.41 percent to reach 235.83 rupees, necessitating the determination of new fare rates.

According to the newly fixed rates, the fare for passenger vehicles has been increased by 5.3 percent. Similarly, the fare for freight vehicles operating on hilly roads has increased by 7.7 percent, and the fare for freight vehicles operating on Terai roads has increased by 9.1 percent. This increase is expected to have a direct impact particularly on long-distance travel and the cost of goods transportation.

The Department clarified that this decision applies only to national-level routes operating through two or more provinces. However, the notice mentions that for environment-friendly electric vehicles, the old fare rates will remain in effect and no increase has been made. The Department has also released a detailed list of the new fare rates and informed all stakeholders to implement them accordingly.