Parents protest against HRTC school bus fare hike in Himachal

Yog Raj Sharma

The North News
Shimla, May 27

Parents in Himachal Pradesh have raised strong objections to a recent hike in school bus fares by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), warning of protests if the decision is not reversed. A delegation of parents met HRTC Managing Director Nipun Jindal on Tuesday, urging immediate withdrawal of the increased charges for buses ferrying students to private schools. The parents said the fare for school bus passes has been doubled, significantly adding to their financial burden. They noted that this hike comes just six months after a previous increase, calling it unjustifiable.

The group also criticised the doubling of the minimum fare from ₹5 to ₹10, demanding that it be rolled back along with the hike in pass rates.

Jindal assured the parents that their concerns would be looked into and appropriate action would follow. However, parents warned that failure to reverse the decision would compel them to take to the streets.

Parents are now awaiting a response from the HRTC. Many said that continued fare hikes could force them to explore private transport options, further straining their budgets.