Shimla, May 9 (UNI) The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has implemented the revised fare structure for all stage carriage buses in the state, including ordinary, deluxe, and AC/Volvo services, with effect from Friday. The move comes following the state government's notification issued earlier this week, authorising a hike in both short and long-distance bus fares.

As per the instructions of HRTC, all E-tickets machine were being updated today and revision of fare is implemented with effect from Friday as per an order of managing director of HRTC Deva Sen Negi.

As the new rates came into force, passengers boarding Volvo and AC deluxe buses from Shimla will now have to pay significantly more. The fare for a Volvo bus from Shimla to Delhi has increased by ₹150, up from ₹1,000 to ₹1150, while the fare for Shimla to Chandigarh has gone up from Rs 425 to Rs 488.

Similarly, the Shimla to Dharamsala Volvo fare has risen to Rs1071, up from Rs 932.

Fares for ordinary bus services have also been revised. The per km fare in hilly areas has gone up from Rs 1.40 to Rs 1.60, and in plains from Rs 2.19 to Rs 2.50. Deluxe services will now charge Rs 1.95/km in plains and Rs 3.10/km in hilly terrain.

Officials from HRTC said the revision was necessary to manage the rising operational costs and to support the financial health of the corporation. The last such revision took place in July 2020.

Despite the hike, passengers will continue to receive discounts on Smart, Green, and Samman cards. These include a 10% discount on Smart cards for long-distance travel, and 25% and 30% discounts on Green and Samman cards respectively for travel within a 50-km radius.

With the implementation now active, commuters are adjusting to the new rates, while many hope that the additional revenue would contribute to improved services and vehicle maintenance.

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