Thiruvananthapuram: The hike in bus, auto and taxi fares in Kerala will be effective from May 1.

"The new rates will be effective from May 1. The order to this effect will be issued soon," Kerala Transport Minister Antony Raju informed on Wednesday.

The decision on hike of concession rates for students will be taken based on the committee's report, he added.

The minister added that the special rates introduced during the Covid-19 lockdown period has been withdrawn.

The State government decided to revise the rates in view of the rising fuel prices in the country and the rising protests by private bus owners in the State.

The government had earlier announced a hike in the minimum charge for bus fares to Rs 10 from the present Rs 8.

The new minimum charges and rate for additional distance covered by buses, taxis and autos were released on March 31.

How is the hike looking?

The minimum charge for bus fares (for 2.5 km) has been hiked to Rs 10 from Rs 8. For each additional kilometre, Re 1 would be charged instead of 90 paise.

Minister Antony Raju had also said that a commission would be appointed to examine the issue of increasing student ticket rates. At present, students pay Re 1 for 1.5 km and Rs 2 for a 5-km ride.

Private bus owners had demanded increasing the minimum fare of the general public from Rs 8 to Rs 12 and the subsequent per kilometre charge to Rs 1.10 from 90 paise. But this was struck down by the government.

They had also wanted the minimum student fare to be increased to Rs 6 and were, therefore, dissatisfied with the government's decision.
The minimum auto charge has been increased from Rs 25 to Rs 30 (for 2 km). For each additional kilometre, Rs 15 will be charged as against the existing Rs 12 per km.

The minimum charge for taxis below 1500cc was increased from Rs 175 to Rs 200 (5 km) and the kilometre charge from Rs 15 to Rs 18.

The minimum fare for taxis exceeding 1500 cc has been increased from Rs 200 to Rs 225 (5 km) and the kilometre fare from Rs 17 to Rs 20.
The development comes on the back of recommendations submitted by the Justice Ramachandran Committee.