GSRTC hikes bus fares by 3% across Gujarat

Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has announced a 3 per cent increase in bus fares, effective from January 9, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen public transport services across the state.

According to GSRTC officials, the decision was taken to improve the financial sustainability of the corporation while continuing to provide reliable and affordable transport to passengers. The revised fares will apply to all GSRTC services operating across Gujarat.

GSRTC currently operates a fleet of over 8,000 buses, covering more than 32 lakh kilometres daily and catering to around 29 lakh passengers every day. The corporation plays a crucial role in connecting urban and rural areas, ensuring mobility even during emergencies such as floods, cyclones, fires and pandemics.

Officials clarified that despite the fare hike, concessions for students, senior citizens, journalists, differently-abled persons, freedom fighters, government employees and other eligible categories will continue as per existing norms.

In the past 14 months, GSRTC has inducted 1,485 new BS-6 standard buses equipped with modern features such as sleeper coaches, luxury seating, semi-luxury services, super deluxe and mini buses. Additionally, 13 new bus stations and depots have been developed in the last year, benefiting nearly 10 lakh passengers daily.

To promote digital payments and enhance passenger convenience, GSRTC has introduced digital ticketing systems in cities including Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Junagadh, with around 3,000 electronic ticket machines already deployed. Plans are also underway to add another 4,700 machines in the near future.

Despite the fare revision, GSRTC fares remain lower compared to neighbouring states, officials said, reiterating the corporation’s commitment to providing affordable and efficient public transport services to the people of Gujarat.