The state government has amended its motor vehicle rules to set up a public transport fare regulatory committee that will function on the lines of the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), ensuring that any fare revision for state-run transport corporations is based on financial analysis and public interest. According to transport department officials, the committee will be headed by a retired officer or judge and will study the financial health of transport corporations including Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and the other two transport corporations in the state.

“Its primary role will be to assess the operational and financial performance of these corporations and recommend fare revisions, surcharges or other corrective measures as required,” officials said. The notification also empowers the committee to suggest steps to increase operational efficiency and financial stability. Transport corporations will be allowed to submit proposals for fare increase or surcharge, which will be examined by the committee before final adoption by their respective boards.