Equity in urban transport is an important component in ensuring economic and social opportunities for the economically weaker sections in Indian cities. Formal bus based Public Transport agencies in metro cities in India face the difficult task of balancing financial stability while ensuring low fares to make it affordable for a sizable urban population dependent on these services for their travel needs especially in a scenario where state budgetary allocations are at best, limited and irregular.

In the context of Bangalore’s BMTC bus agency’s steep and frequent bus fare hikes between 2012 – 14, the case examines the internal and external factors that led BMTC to implement these unpopular measures. Through findings from a set of field visits and random interviews, the case will also investigate the impact these fare hikes have on individuals and families facing economic hardship as well as highlight adaptation strategies they employ to either evade or limit their travel costs and convenience.

About the Case Author
Deepak works in the area of logistics and freight transport management at urban and regional scales in India. He is also interested in issues of urban transport planning and management. After completing his PhD in 2009, he joined the Centre for infrastructure Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning (CiSTUP) Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore as Transport Planner (2009-11). From 2011-12, he worked as Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Planning and Public Policy, CEPT University, Ahmedabad. Prior to joining IIHS, he worked as Associate Professor in the School of Maritime Management, Indian Maritime University, in their Chennai and Mumbai campuses.