The fares of air-conditioned electric buses operating on various routes in the metropolis are likely to be reduced to boost passenger turnout in Gorakhpur. The Metropolitan Electric Bus Operating Committee is preparing a proposal to revise the fare structure, with discussions currently underway among concerned officials.
According to sources, the minimum fare for electric buses may be reduced from Rs 10 to Rs 5 from February. At present, passengers are charged Rs 10 for journeys up to 3 km, Rs 15 for distances between 3 and 6 km, and Rs 20 for travel between 6 and 10 km, rates that are already lower than conventional bus fares. Despite this, passenger numbers on several routes remain below expectations.
To encourage usage, the administration has also introduced the ‘One UP, One Card’ scheme. Passengers can obtain the card free of cost from bus conductors with an initial recharge of Rs 100. The card offers a 10 per cent discount on fares and is valid across the state, allowing passengers to travel on electric buses in any city without purchasing separate tickets.
However, these initiatives have not significantly increased ridership. In response, the operating committee plans to further revise fares and introduce new routes. Under the proposed changes, passengers may pay just Rs 5 for journeys of up to 3 km.
Currently, 25 electric buses are operating on various routes in the metropolis, catering to around 12,000 passengers daily. The committee plans to expand the fleet to 100 buses and is in the process of adding 25 more buses.
“The revised fare structure will soon be presented to the board for approval and will be implemented once cleared. New routes are also being identified, and in the coming days, electric buses are expected to operate on all major routes of the metropolis,” said Lav Kumar Singh, Executive Officer, Electric Bus Operating Committee