Private bus strike in Kerala called off; Minister assures favourable decision

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Private bus owners called off the strike that was scheduled for Tuesday. This decision follows talks with Transport Minister CP John, who assured them the government would consider their demands favourably. During the talks, they reached agreement on several points, including the government leasing private buses and periodically revising bus schedules. However, no decision was reached regarding an increase in bus fares or the rates for travel concessions.

The strike committee highlighted the severe financial crisis they face due to the implementation of KSRTC’s 'Priyadarshini' scheme, which has left many owners trapped in a debt crisis. The bus owners' primary demand is that the free travel benefit—currently offered on KSRTC buses—should also be extended to women travelling on private buses, and that the government bear the resulting financial burden.

A special commission appointed by the government on September 2nd to address the losses in the private bus sector submitted certain recommendations. However, the government has not yet taken steps to implement these recommendations.