GANDAKI PROVINCE INCREASES PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES

Pokhara. Gandaki Province government has increased the fare of public transport and transport vehicles. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development and Transport has adjusted the fare effective from today (Wednesday).

Earlier, a new fare was implemented on February 1, 2078 BS. Transport entrepreneurs had criticized that the fare was not adjusted despite repeated increases in petroleum product prices since then.

After a ministerial decision, the fares of city buses, long-distance buses, taxis, and goods transport trucks operating in Pokhara Valley have increased.

Minister of Physical Infrastructure Development and Transport Govinda Nepali said that the fare has been adjusted on a scientific basis, considering the market inflation and fuel price increase.

'For a long time, the fare was not adjusted, leading to disputes between transport entrepreneurs and passengers,' he said. 'Now we have set new rates based on fuel prices and scientific fare adjustment criteria.' The fare for electric vehicles has not been increased.
How much has increased where?

The minimum fare for city buses up to 3 kilometers has been increased from 20 to 24. For distances above 3 kilometers, 3 rupees per kilometer has been set. The initial fare for petrol-powered taxis remains 80.

The fare for taxis operating during the day has been increased from 10 to 11 per 200 meters, and for distances above 15 kilometers, it will cost 43 rupees per kilometer. At night, the initial fare remains 80, and the pulse rate is set at 17 rupees per 200 meters.

A separate fare has also been set for taxis at Pokhara International Airport. The initial fare for taxis operating from the airport is 80, and the pulse rate per 200 meters is set at 12 rupees. For night service, the rate per 200 meters will be 17 rupees, similar to regular taxis.

For long-distance passenger buses, the rate has been set to allow 4 rupees per kilometer, an increase from 3.9. Jeeps will be allowed to charge 7 rupees per kilometer. This fee was previously 5.5 rupees. The fare for goods transport trucks has been increased from 11.72 per kilometer per ton to 15.

According to the ministry, the fare implemented on February 1, 2078 BS will apply to passenger and goods transport electric vehicles operating within the province.

Minister Nepali said that this policy has been adopted to encourage electric vehicles. Similarly, passengers will be allowed to carry up to 15 kg of luggage for free, and for luggage exceeding that, an additional charge of 5 rupees per kg will be levied for up to 10 kg.

The ministry has directed all taxis operating within Pokhara Valley and within a 15-kilometer radius to operate mandatorily on a meter system.