Kochi: A major section of private bus operators on Friday threatened to launch an indefinite statewide strike starting Nov 3, demanding compensation from state govt for losses incurred due to the Priyadarshini scheme — the scheme to offer free bus travel for women on KSRTC ordinary buses — and a minimum fare hike.
The association, representing nearly 7,500 of the 10,000 private buses currently operating in the state, took the decision following a meeting held here. “Private operators have suffered losses exceeding Rs 800 crore since the scheme began. The number of private buses in the state has also dropped drastically, falling from 35,000 a decade ago to about 10,000 today,” Gopinath added. The operators also demanded raising the minimum bus fare to Rs 15, to counter rising diesel prices and operating costs, and revising student concession fares to 50% of the regular ticket price. Meanwhile, another prominent group, Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federation, plans to stage a hunger strike in front of the state Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram starting Oct 27 to push for the same demands.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
“We’re facing a crisis following a sharp decline in daily revenue post the introduction of the Priyadarshini scheme in June,” said T Gopinath, general secretary, All Kerala Bus Operators Association (AKBOA), which comprises representatives from six bus owners’ associations. The bus owners demanded extension of the free travel scheme for women to private buses as well, with the govt directly reimbursing operators for ticket costs. Other demands include reduction of govt’s share of tax on fuel and provision of financial assistance to cover bus insurance expenses. Download the TOI App.