Karwar: As toll collection has begun on NH 66 passing through the coast of Uttara Kannada district, the fares of buses plying on that route too have been increased. While the fare of Bhatkal-Karwar bus has been increased by Rs 18, the fare of Karwar-Ankola bus has gone up by Rs 9. The collection of increased fare began on Friday.

Earlier, the fare of the bus between Karwar and Ankola was Rs 33. But now, it has been increased to Rs 42. The fare of Bhatkal-Karwar bus was Rs 131 and now, it is Rs 149.

Meanwhile, a sudden increase in the bus fare without consulting or informing the public has irked the bus passengers. Many passengers said that the NWKRTC authorities had to inform the public about the increase in the fares before hand.

Responding to the issue, NWKRTC Divisional Controller Vivek Hegde said that there has been no change in the basic fares of the buses. Only, the toll charges have been passed on to the passengers.

Ankola Depot In-charge Manager Manjunath Naik said that almost 75% of the buses of Ankola depot have to pass through the Belekeri toll plaza and so, the NWKRTC buses of their depot have to pay around Rs 16,500 as toll every day now.

Karwar Depot Manager Ravindra told DH that toll was being collected at the toll plaza at Hattikeri near Ankola and so, the toll charges have been added to the ticket fares. 

Admitting that no public release was issued regarding the increase in bus fare, he called upon the passengers to co-operate with NWKRTC in this regard.