Kerala Strike today: Private buses to go off roads indefinitely against hike in ticket fare

Private buses in Kerala are set to go off the roads from today as the bus operators' coordination committee has announced an indefinite strike to demand increase in ticket fare in the wake of rising fuel prices.

The president of Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federation Sathyan, told sources that a notice regarding the proposed strike was given to the government over two weeks ago and till date no one has engaged in discussions on the issue.

Regarding State Transport Minister Antony Raju's statement that he hoped the bus owners would not go on strike keeping in view the interest of the students whose exams are coming and classes on, Sathyan said such a statement should not have been made.

According to reports, the operators are demanding that the minimum fare be hiked to Rs.12 from Rs8, student concession to Rs. 6 from Rs.2 and per km rate to Rs.1.10. The fares were last revised when the diesel price was Rs. 62 a litre.

He said the Transport Minister and the State government were informed in November last year about the demands of the bus owners, but no steps were taken since.

He further said State government must ensure no hardship to the students and the onus was not on the bus owners.

The owners have demanded a hike in the fare for the public and also in the concessional fare for students.