KANNUR: As travel became increasingly difficult in Kannur's Pattiam after the COVID-19 outbreak, the natives bought a bus by donating Rs 2500 each. The donations of over 1000 families here have made the idea to buy a crowdfunded bus a reality as the bus named 'Pattiam Janakeeyam' will start its service from Thursday. Among the owners of the bus are farmers and government officers.

Actor Sreenivasan was born in Pattiam. It came as a coincidence that this democratic bus will be running in the same route of 'Gulf Motors' in 1989 Mohanlal movie 'Varavelppu' which was written by Sreenivasan.

Though 'Varavelppu' was filmed in Palakkad, the route shown in the movie is between Pattiam Kongatta and Vettummal. 'Pattiam Janakeeyam' will be running in almost the exact route.

The idea to start a democratic bus service was born after private buses stopped their service due to the losses in the COVID-19 pandemic. A working committee of 25 members with P Manoharan as chairman and TP Saseendran as convenor provided the initiative. The committee has members from all political parties. An amount of Rs 26 lakhs was crowdfunded within 2 and a half months from 1040 individuals. The bus employees are also local residents.

The RTO at first didn't grant permit for the 33-seater bus. But it was granted after approaching the high court. The office-bearers said that next meeting will discuss on profit sharing and future operation of the bus.