Kathmandu, July 12 -- Consumer rights activists and commuters have criticised the government's decision to hike public transport fares to allow buses to ferry fewer passengers and comply with social distancing norms in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

They say that the hike adds financial burden to members of the public who already are reeling under economic stress due to the months-long lockdown and travel restriction.

"This is a haphazard decision on the part of the government. It directly impacts common people who rely on public transport during these difficult times," said Jyoti Baniya, chairperson at the Forum for the Consumer's Right Nepal.

The government on Thursday decided to allow public vehicles to resume services by ferryi...