Bus passengers now have to pay 60pc more fare

The government has hiked the public bus fare by 60 percent as the buses were ordered to ply with 50 percent passengers to curb the coronavirus transmission.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges on Sunday issued a circular in thiss regard.

The increased fare will come into effect from June 1, 2020, and it is applicable only during the coronavirus crisis.  

The circular read a passenger must keep vacant the seat beside him and maintain social distancing following the health guidelines.  

BRTA on Saturday recommended 80 percent increase in the existing bus fare so that bus owners can avoid loss for carrying half number of passsenger.  

Earlier on Thursday the government allowed operation of public transport and offices in limited sclare from May 31 to June 15 amid the COVID-19 outbreak.