Mangaluru: After the diesel prices came down and subsequent reduction of bus fares of Government-owned BMTC and KSRTC buses, the Dakshina Kannada district administration and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) held a joint meeting with the members of Private Bus Owners Association here in the city on Thursday.

Chairing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner A.B Ibrahim asked the owners reduce bus fares mutually. However, the association led by K Rajaverma Ballal expressed discontent and cited that the owners have to spend more on the maintenance cost as it has doubled in the recent times.

However, A.B Ibrahim told the association that the district administration and the RTO had agreed to increase bus fares after the prices of diesel went up. similarly, when the prices of diesel has come down, the owners are bound to reduce it, he said and added that if the prices of diesel again go up, we will increase bus fare.

Meanwhile, Hanumantha Kamath, president of Nagarika Hitarakshana Vedike said that the buses never run empty in Mangaluru. They are always overcrowded. Hence, the buses are not under loss. Therefore, it is their responsibility to reduce the price without creating a fuss, he noted.

Rajaverma Ballal, president of Canara Bus Operators Association sought a week’s time to decide on the move. Hence, the final notification on the reduction of prices was postponed until the next meeting.

Besides, few members complained that some bus conductors misbehave with passengers. Police Superintendant Dr. S. Sharanappa directed the owners to train the conductors for good behavior within two months.

RTO officer Afzal Ahmed Khan, office bearers of bus owner’s union and public were present.