Bus passengers across Assam are likely to face higher travel expenses from July 1, as the All Assam Motor Transport Association (AAMTA) has announced a 70 per cent increase in bus fares across the state. The association said the fare revision has become necessary due to rising diesel prices, increasing maintenance costs and higher operational expenses faced by transport operators.
Under the revised fare structure, the minimum bus fare will be increased to ₹20. According to AAMTA, the revision is intended to help bus operators sustain passenger transport services amid the steady rise in operating costs over the years.
Transport operators pointed out that commercial vehicle fares in Assam have not undergone any major revision since 2011, despite significant increases in fuel prices, inflation and vehicle maintenance expenses. They said the prolonged gap between fare revisions and operating costs has put financial pressure on bus owners and transport service providers.
The association maintained that the revised fare structure is essential to ensure the continued operation of public transport services across the state while addressing the increasing cost of running commercial passenger vehicles.
AAMTA has also stated that detailed route-wise fare charts reflecting the revised rates will be announced shortly. The updated fare structure will come into effect from July 1 and is expected to apply to bus services operating across Assam.
The announcement is likely to impact daily commuters and long-distance passengers, who will have to pay higher fares once the revised rates are implemented.
