Kathmandu. The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) is preparing to reduce the fare of electric vehicles (EVs) by up to 10 percent. The department said it has started internal discussions on the matter.

Although the fare of diesel buses has been fixed at present, the fare of EV buses has not been clearly fixed. According to the department, it has been proposed to reduce the fare of EV buses on the basis that the operating cost of EV buses is less than that of diesel buses.

Director General of the Department, Rajib Pokharel, said that necessary study is being carried out to make the fare of EV buses systematic and consumer-friendly. “The fare of diesel buses has been fixed, but there is no clear provision for EV buses. So, we are discussing to reduce the fare by 10 percent after studying the cost and operating aspect,” he said.

The department has said that it will take an appropriate decision soon after consulting with the stakeholders. After the implementation of the decision, passengers are expected to be able to travel at cheaper fares.

Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE) chair Bijay Bahadur Swar said they were in agreement that the transport fare rate should be determined on the basis of scientific basis. “In the case of EVs, the battery is expensive, so the cost aspect has to be taken into consideration. But the battery in the EV is also expensive. After evaluating these aspects, we agree that the fare will be slightly fluctuated on a scientific basis,” he said. He stressed that the fare adjustment should be taken only after holding discussions on the issue of adjustment of fare as per the scientific method by incorporating the operating cost, maintenance, fuel and technology related costs.