From correspondents in Kerala, India, 03:00 PM IST

Bus fares are to go up in Kerala, Transport Minister Mathew T. Thomas announced Thursday.

He told the state assembly that the new fares would come into effect when the government issues a notification.

The minimum charge for ordinary buses would go up from Rs.3 to Rs.4. The minimum fare in super express buses will be Rs.15.

The last fare hike took place in November 2005. 'This hike is on account of the fuel price hike,' Thomas said. Student fares have not been increased.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)