1000 new buses for KSRTC! Transport Minister CP John floats new scheme

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Transport Department is devising plans to bring the state's transport services—including private buses—under the KSRTC.

In the first phase, 1,000 buses will be transferred. Although these will operate as 'ordinary' services, they will not fall under the 'Priyadarshini' category. The transfer will be executed under a 'wet lease' arrangement. It is expected that, eventually, all private buses will become part of the KSRTC.

During discussions with representatives of the bus owners' association, Minister CP John announced that the government would take private buses on a 'wet lease' basis to protect the private bus sector, which has been facing a crisis following the introduction of the 'Priyadarshini' service. This scheme is designed to be mutually beneficial for both the KSRTC and private bus owners. In accordance with this understanding, the Private Bus Operators' Federation prepared a list of 1,000 buses that currently operate in the southern districts. These will be handed over once the rental rates are finalised.

The association is demanding a rental rate of Rs 55 per kilometre, while the Transport Department offered Rs 50 per kilometre. The owners' request to receive the rental payments every week has been accepted. Once the buses become available, KSRTC will reschedule its services. Services that were operated before the COVID-19 pandemic—but subsequently discontinued—will be resumed.

Meanwhile, no decision was reached regarding the expansion of 'Priyadarshini' services. Private buses currently operating long-distance routes run as 'limited-stop ordinary' services; if these are handed over to the KSRTC, they may be converted into 'fast passenger' services.

Wet Lease

• A fixed rental fee will be paid to private bus operators.

• KSRTC will appoint the conductor.

• The bus owner may appoint the driver.

• The bus owner must bear all expenses, including the cost of diesel.

Savings on New Buses

• The government does not need to purchase new buses, resulting in cost savings.

• Fare hikes and student concession rates can be determined in a fair and reasonable manner.

• Bus owners need not worry about a decline in revenue.

• An end to competitive racing between buses.

• KSRTC buses: 5,765

• Buses currently in operation: 4,468

• Private buses: 12,000

• Buses currently in operation: 8,200