THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the sharp hike in power tariff about to be implemented, it has been recommended to increase the minimum fare on ordinary buses from Rs 8 to Rs 10 (25%) and to increase it by 42.84% per kilometer. At present, the rate per kilometer is 70 paise, which will be one rupee after the hike.

All services will cost an additional 40% for overnight travel. With this, the minimum night charge will be Rs 14. Those who pay Rs 40 during the day will have to pay Rs 56 for the same distance at night.

The minimum ticket travel distance will be reduced to two and a half kilometers, which is a fair stage.

Those traveling between 8pm and 5am will have to pay extra. Daily wagers and those who work in shops and hotels return after work between eight and ten at night. They will have to pay exorbitant rates. Reducing the distance that can be traveled on the minimum charge to a fair stage also affects workers who are looking for work in nearby places.

These recommendations are contained in the report of the Justice Ramachandran Commission, which also takes into account the recommendations of the Transport Department to implement the fare hike. Fast and super fast rates are not recommended. This is a recommendation for KSRTC ordinary and private buses. The cabinet will consider the report as soon as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan arrives from abroad. The report focuses on the needs of private bus owners.

Rs 5 for students

The proposal is to increase the ticket price for students to 50% of the normal rate. If it is accepted, the minimum rate will be Rs 5. This applies to all fair stage. At present the minimum fare is Rs 2 per 5 km.

The government had planned free travel for BPL students. But it is not recommended in the report.