Minimum bus fare should be hiked to Rs 12; demands not approved, private buses for indefinite strike

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The private bus operators in the state have announced to go ahead with their indefinite strike from March 24. The private bus owners have informed to stop all their services. The decision was taken by the joint panel of the bus owners.

The bus owners are going ahead with the strike raising demands including a fare hike. They have issued a notice to Transport Minister Antony Raju announcing their strike.

The private operators said the minimum fare should be hiked to Rs 12 instead of Rs 10. They said the government had assured to raise the minimum fare four months ago but has not taken any decision so far. They also demanded a hike in the concession ticket of students. They also alleged that they were neglected in the budget.

Transport Minister Antony Raju said no talks were held with the bus owners today. He also confirmed that the owners have submitted a memorandum. Further talks are being held and their demands are reasonable, he added.