THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the past ten years, 65 lakh people who relied on KSRTC and private sector buses have shifted to using private vehicles. 17 lakh people have given up on public transport in the last two years. 10 lakh passengers switch to private vehicles this year alone. This will thwart the general objective of reducing traffic congestion and fuel consumption.

The reluctance of the people of Kerala towards public transport is also a setback for metro services. Most people prefer travelling in their own vehicles no matter how many traffic jams they get into. Such a situation is arising in Kerala at a time when public transport is becoming popular, including in Delhi. Some claim, however, that the circumstances in Kerala prevent people from using public transportation.

According to the transport department, 1.32 crore passengers depended on buses in 2013. KSRTC is now trying to attract more passengers through first-mile and last-mile connectivity where the bus arrives at the doorstep. There is a move to deploy autorickshaws along with minibuses from minor roads to main roads.

People who abandoned public transport: 49.25%

2013: Total Buses: 24500, Passengers: 1.32 Crore

2023: Total buses: 11,500, passengers: 67 lakh

Daily then and now

2013:

Private buses.................19,000

Passengers...................................1.04 crores

KSRTC Buses.........5500

Passengers...................................28 lakhs

2023:

Private Buses........7300

Passengers.....................43 lakhs

KSRTC Bus......4200

Passengers........................24 lakhs

New vehicles

Year............Two wheeler................ Total including cars

2023 Jan................... 36,545............................. ................55506

2022...............................5,30,358................ ........................7,83,500
2021...............................5,12,683............... ......................... 7,65,589
2020............................. 4,44,858................. ........................6,40,727
2019...............................6,34,234................ ......................... 9,14,093