THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Although the hike in bus fares is a setback, people are relieved by the fact that they will not have to pay additional charges for night services.

The Justice Ramachandran Commission had suggested that in addition to the hike in fares, an additional charge of 40 per cent should be levied for night travel. However, the authorities abandoned the move fearing huge protests.

The proposal was included in the commission's report on the Transport Department's recommendation for such an increase in charges might promote the night service of private buses.

On February 1, Kerala Kaumudi had reported about the move to charge 40 per cent more for those travelling between 8 pm and 5 am. If the proposal was implemented, the minimum night charge would have been Rs 14.

The report had stated that a 40% extra charge on night travel will affect labour workers and those working in shops and restaurants. Following this, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took the stand that further discussion should be held on this issue. Although earlier included in the agenda, the cabinet meeting on February 9 did not consider the bus fare hike report. The LDF eventually approved the hike in bus fares, dismissing the proposal.