THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Today's cabinet meeting will decide on how much the bus fare should be increased. The minimum ticket charge for ordinary buses will be increased from Rs 8 to Rs 10. However, there are concerns over how the government will respond to the Justice Ramachandran Commission report that 40% extra charge should be levied for night travel.

If the bus fare for night services is increased, it will be a huge blow for poor people such as labour workers and those working in shops and restaurants.

The bus fare in Kerala is higher than that of other neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Ordinary buses in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have a minimum fare of Rs. 5. In Karnataka, the minimum fare was reduced from Rs 7 to Rs 5. The bus fare was not increased till 15 km. In Tamil Nadu, the minimum fare was raised from Rs 4 to Rs 5 last year with the introduction of free travel for women.

State -Minimum rate -Km rate

Tamil Nadu -5- 58 paise

Andhra Pradesh-5- 73 paise

Karnataka -5- 75 paise