In spite of stiff opposition from consumers' rights activists, the government has finally decided to hike transport fares by around 9 percent from Tuesday next week.

A meeting between the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs and the department came up with the decision to increase fares of public vehicles, applicable for both long and short routes.

According to the Department of Transport Management, fares will be increased on the basis of fuel price, price of spare parts and lubricants and bank interest rates, including others.

On the other hand, consumer rights activists have charged the department flouted the verdict of Supreme Court (SC) as well as directive of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) by taking unilateral decision to hike transport fares. nepalnews.com