KATHMANDU, April 8: The government has decided to increase fares for public transport and freight vehicles, with the Department of Transport Management set to implement the revised rates after receiving in-principle approval from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
According to officials, public transport fares have been increased by 16.71 percent. Freight charges have also been raised significantly, with transport rates in hilly regions going up by 21.68 percent and in the Tarai by 15.75 percent, the department said.
Reluctance to implement adjusted transport fares
Transport operators had long been demanding a fare revision, citing rising petroleum prices in the international market as well as other technical factors.
With the new rates set to take effect, the hike is expected to increase daily travel costs for commuters and may also drive up the prices of consumer goods due to higher transportation expenses.
