The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is facing criticism from commuters for allegedly overcharging by rounding off ticket fares on its premium bus services, including Rajahamsa, Airavat, Vaibhav, and EV Power Plus.
Passengers have raised concerns that instead of charging the exact fare displayed on the digital system, conductors are rounding up the amount to the nearest rupee or higher, leading to small but frequent overcharges. While seemingly minor, the cumulative impact of such rounding off on thousands of tickets daily has triggered dissatisfaction among regular travellers.
Commuters argue that such practices are unfair, especially when digital ticketing systems are capable of displaying and processing precise fares. Some even questioned the legality of collecting rounded-up amounts without issuing receipts for the excess charged.
Public transport activists have also joined the chorus, demanding accountability and transparency from KSRTC. Many urged the transport authority to introduce a standardized fare policy that ensures passengers are charged the exact amount, with proper digital or printed receipts reflecting the true fare.
KSRTC has yet to issue an official response addressing the issue, but growing public discontent is pushing for regulatory oversight to investigate the fare rounding mechanism in premium services.
