KATHMANDU: The Department of Transport Management has increased passenger fares of public transport by 28 percent considering the rise in prices of petroleum products and vehicle parts.

According to the department, the fare of passenger vehicles has gone up by 28 percent.

Department Spokesperson Loknath Bhusal informed the fare of freight vehicles operating on the Terai roads increased by 26 percent and fare of such vehicles plying roads on hilly areas rose by 20 percent.

According to the department, the then Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Basanta Nembang on July 11 approved the increased fares based on a report prepared by the task force formed by the department.

The department claimed that the fare was adjusted on the basis of market study, analysis and consultation with stakeholders regarding the investment and expenditure related to the operation of public transport.

It had been agreed to implement the increased fares from July 13.