Even though there is a paid holiday for the Karnataka assembly elections, it is doubtful that people will go to their respective towns to cast their votes. The bus fare is likely to skyrocket in the days leading up to the polls.
According to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), DH reported a 40% increase in bookings on May 9, a day before the elections.
KSRTC has received 1,317 advance bookings for the night of May 9. But on any other weekday, the number would have been only between 800 and 900, officials said. Advance bookings were less after covid. But seniors said more people are expected to travel as the polling date approaches
KSRTC officials said.
With the elections approaching, there is a significant increase in bookings in KSRTC and private buses two days before and after the polling day.
Private bus operators have also reported an increase in bookings. It is said that the travel fares have increased sharply in this background. Especially some private operators have increased the rates by up to 50 percent. There has been a sharp rise in bookings.
Many buses are filling up soon. For example, non-AC sleeper class from Bengaluru to Mangalore was around Rs 750 on weekdays, but now it has increased to around Rs 1,150 due to the demand of people to travel. Another travel operator said that bookings for Kundapur, Mangalore, Shimoga and Sringeri have increased. A private bus operator said that the demand for travel on May 8 is also increasing.
Some political parties are making arrangements for booking KSRTC and private buses to take voters to their constituencies. We book at least a month in advance to ensure voters reach the polling booth. Book that it usually takes place in districts and sometimes in urban areas where voters live some distance from polling stations.
