Private Operators Voice Concerns Over Kerala's Free Travel Scheme for Women

Kerala's plan for free travel for women on state buses, starting June 15, raises concerns among private bus operators. They urge government support to safeguard their businesses. Operators seek a fare revision after diesel price hikes, fearing operational difficulties if women favor state buses.

Kerala’s recent initiative to provide free travel for women on state transport buses from June 15 has prompted private bus operators to call for governmental intervention to secure their businesses.

Members of the All Kerala Bus Operators Association plan to meet with Chief Minister V D Satheesan and the transport minister to present their concerns, emphasizing their support for women's travel concessions but highlighting their financial challenges due to operational cost hikes.

They seek fare revisions, noting diesel price increases and the lack of fare adjustments in the last four years, while advocating for the same financial supports granted to state buses to ensure continued service amidst the state's population-reliant private bus sector.