The strike was called by the Transport Minister. The LDF has decided to increase the rates. The bus operators’ organization said that the transport minister did not comply with the promise to increase fares soon.
Palakkad, First Published Mar 26, 2022, 3:58 PM IST
Palakkad: Bus owners say private bus strike will continue in the state. The bus owners’ association said it would not back down from the strike without raising fares. The organization alleges that the Transport Minister said so. The bus owners have criticized the government for not even preparing for a discussion even after so many days of the strike.
The bus operators’ organization also asked at a press conference whether the Transport Minister, who said that students were inconvenienced during the exams, was allowing free travel on KSRTC. The strike was called by the Transport Minister. The LDF has decided to increase the rates. The bus operators’ organization also criticized the transport minister for not complying with a promise to increase fares soon.
Private buses in the state are on indefinite strike demanding higher fares. In many places, people are stranded without getting a bus on time. Private buses are increasingly relied upon in Central Kerala, the Malabar region and the countryside. The strike has also affected students as the annual exams for classes one to nine have started. According to government sources, the decision on the hike will be taken only after the LDF meeting on May 30.
The minimum charge should be Rs 12, the kilometer rate should be increased by Rs 1 to 10 paise and the fare for students should be increased to Rs 6. These are the main demands of the bus owners. Private bus owners have protested against the non-implementation of the expert committee’s recommendation to waive the Kovid-era vehicle tax. The transport department had planned to increase the minimum fare to Rs 10 in November itself, but no announcement was made. Despite hints of a change considering Ramachandran Nair’s recommendation, the decision on when has been delayed.
The government was perplexed by the assessment that the increase in bus fares would be a double blow to the common man amid rising prices. However, it was the Transport Minister who revived the talks, signaling that the concession rate would be increased. The LDF’s approval of the charge hike has also been delayed. Auto taxi may go on strike in the coming days.
The increase is agreed in principle and should not be underestimated; KSRTC to increase service – Former Minister
Thiruvananthapuram: Former Minister Antony Raju has said that the government should not go ahead with the agitation. If the bus and auto taxi strike goes ahead, KSRTC will run more services. The increase in charges was approved by the government. There is a debate going on as to when and how it should be done. Former Union Minister Antony Raju has said that the government should not be pressured by the strike at this time.
Last Updated Mar 26, 2022, 4:22 PM IST
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