Minimum bus fare may be raised to Rs 10; final decision before Nov 18

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minimum bus charge in the state may be raised to Rs 10. A decision on it will be taken before November 18. The bus owners also want to increase the student fares. A final decision will be taken only after detailed consultations on the issue.

The private buses had announced a strike from today demanding an increase in students fares and for diesel subsidy. They withdrew from the indefinite strike after Transport Minister Antony Raju took a favourable stand in the talks held with bus owners on things including a hike in the fares.

In the wake of soaring petrol and diesel prices, the bus owners wanted the minimum charge to be increased from Rs 8 to Rs 12, kilometre rate to be increased from the current 90 paise to Rs one and the vehicle tax on buses to be completely waived till the end of Covid.