Himachal Road Transport Corporation Revises Freight Charges

Shimla: The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has revised the freight charges for carrying luggage, vegetables, fruits, flower boxes, and other goods with and without passengers in its buses. An official notification regarding the revised charges was issued on Tuesday.

No Increase in Bus Fare

After a meeting with the Board of Directors of HRTC on October 17, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also holds the portfolio of the transport department, stated that there would be no increase in the bus fare. However, people using buses as a courier to transport luggage without traveling would be charged.

Revised Freight Charges

As per the notification, one passenger fare would be charged for each bag without a passenger. Two pieces of luggage or 30 kg would be free with the passenger. After that, luggage weighing over 15 kg would be charged one-fourth of the passenger ticket. Wheelchairs and children's trolleys will be free with passengers and would be charged one-fourth ticket without them. Children's bicycles would be charged half ticket with a passenger and a full ticket if transported as goods.

One apple box with a passenger would be free, and a half ticket would be charged for another box. A full ticket would be charged for an apple box without a passenger. Pet animals are allowed only in non-AC buses and would be charged a full ticket with the passenger.

The revised freight charges are expected to generate additional revenue for HRTC and discourage people from using buses as a courier service. The move is also aimed at ensuring that passengers are not inconvenienced by bulky luggage.