THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A high level meeting chaired by Transport Minister Antony Raju blocked a move to increase the fare on KSRTC super class service by 10 per cent without reducing the temporary 25 per cent hike in ticket prices during the Covid period.

KSRTC has submitted a recommendation for a 10 per cent hike in superclass buses along with the fare for ordinary buses. However, the permission was denied on the grounds that it would lead to a huge increase in charges in the superclass buses.. It has also been asked to prepare a new fair chart.

On November 15, Kerala Kaumudi reported that the bus fare hike could be implemented in the superclass buses as well.

From July 3, 2020, there was 25% increase in charges of superclass bus service from fast passenger onwards. This was to make up for the loss when only one person wasallowed to sit in a seat. Minimum charge and kilometer rate was modified for this. When the expansion of Covid improved, the Transportation dept has decided to switch to the old rate, but was unable to implement it. Instead, a 25 percent reduction in superclass rates three days a week was offered.