Stop Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme immediately; Plea in Competition Commission of India

KOCHI: A plea has been filed before the Competition Commission of India (CCI) seeking the cancellation of the KSRTC Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme, implemented by the UDF government in the state. The plea was filed by Bibin T Alappatt, Thrissur District President of the private bus operators’ association and state president of the coordination committee of bus owners.

The plea alleged that implementing Priyadarshini free travel scheme has destroyed the competitiveness of private buses and has benefited only the KSRTC. The plea states that the scheme creates an unequal competitive environment in the market and is contrary to the principles of fair competition. Women travelling in private buses have switched to KSRTC en masse following the scheme. Their change is due to the sole reason of free travel.

Following this, there is heavy loss in the income of the private bus sector. It has become economically unprofitable to operate private bus services now. With the implementation of the scheme, 750 private buses have stopped their services. If the scheme continues, more services will have to be stopped. There will be a huge financial burden on the private bus sector and will lead to thousands losing their jobs.