Bus fares to be raised; Minimum charge to become Rs 10

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Left Front has decided to allow an increase in bus fares in the state amid rising diesel prices and a strike by private bus owners demanding a hike in fares. The minimum charge in ordinary buses will be increased from Rs 8 to Rs 10 and Rs 1 will be charged for every additional kilometre. It was Transport Minister Antony Raju who presented the issue at the LDF meeting. The minister has been instructed to take appropriate action based on the Justice Ramachandran Commission report.

Private bus owners told Minister Antony Raju during a meeting on Monday night that they could not wait till the commission decide on the hike. The same commission, in its report dated June 25, 2020, had recommended that the minimum rate should be raised to Rs 10. As the superclass buses are exclusively for KSRTC, the increase in bus fares will depend on the position of the management as well. There will also be an increase in student concession ticket prices. The private bus owners are demanding that the bus fares should be made double the current fare. The transport department is considering an increase of 50 percent.