Student concession rate: Private bus owners plan another strike to realize demand for hike

Thiruvananthapuram: Private bus owners in Kerala are preparing for another strike protesting against the government's delay to increase the concessional fare for students.

The owners will organise a meeting to discuss the issue on Thursday.

The LDF government in Kerala had on Wednesday appointed a commission to examine whether student ticket prices should be increased -- a move not appreciated by private bus owners.

Currently, students pay Re 1 for 1.5 km and Rs 2 for a 5-km ride.

The owners had wanted the minimum student fare to be increased to Rs 6.

The owners of private buses, who went on strike seeking an increase in minimum fares for normal passengers and students, did not welcome the proposed increase in rates, saying it was not sufficient for them to continue providing their services.

They were also not pleased with the government's decision to appoint a commission to examine the aspect of increasing student ticket fares.

The Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federation's president, Sathyan, told PTI that earlier a commission had recommended an increase in student ticket fares as well as a cap on the age of students who can be granted the concession.

Therefore, it needs to be seen what the LDF intends to do by appointing another commission, he said and added that the bus owners will try to meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss their concerns as they had called off their indefinite stir on his assurance that fares would be hiked.