Private bus owners say hike in fares unacceptable without increasing concessional fare for students

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The hike in bus fares in the state will come into effect soon. The LDF had approved the bus fare hike to a minimum of Rs 10. However, the government and the Front rejected the demand of private bus owners for a minimum of Rs 12. However, T Gopinath, state general secretary of the All Kerala Bus Operators' Organization, said the current hike in fares was unacceptable without increasing the bus fare of students. He added that the business cannot move forward by keeping the minimum at Rs 2.

The bus owners said that the recommendation of the Justice Ramachandran Commission to increase the minimum fare to Rs 10 was made years ago and since then fuel prices have gone up several times. The bus owners informed that the next stand will be taken soon after convening a meeting.

The government has also decided to increase auto and taxi fares. A commission will be appointed to decide the bus fare of students. The minister said the hike would also apply to KSRTC. The minister was speaking to the media after the LDF meeting