Kerala private bus operators threaten strike over free travel scheme for women

Thrissur (Kerala), Jun 11 (PTI) Private bus operators in Kerala on Thursday threatened to launch a strike if the government fails to announce measures to support the sector in the upcoming budget.

The threat follows the government's decision to introduce free bus travel for women on KSRTC ordinary services.

Addressing a press conference here, All Kerala Bus Operators Organisation general secretary T Gopinathan said the decision to provide free travel for women on KSRTC ordinary buses would severely affect private bus operators' income and threaten the sector's survival.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation is set to implement free travel for women on its ordinary buses from June 15.

In light of the scheme, the AKBOO state committee met here on Thursday and decided to launch a strike if the state budget, to be presented on June 19, does not contain measures to support the private bus sector.

Gopinathan said the state government's White Paper on Kerala's financial condition had highlighted the need to encourage private investment.

"We have invested around Rs 5,000 crore in this sector. We have fulfilled all the social commitments imposed by the government, including student concessions. We charge students only Re 1 per trip," he said.

He pointed out that diesel currently costs around Rs 104 per litre.

"When 104 students travel in our buses, we get enough revenue to buy only one litre of diesel. Most of our passengers are students. Two commissions have submitted reports recommending an increase in student concession rates, but no action has been taken," he said.

Gopinathan said that after the Covid-19 pandemic, women accounted for a larger share of bus passengers, while many men had shifted to private vehicles.

"If women passengers move away from private buses because of the new scheme, we will not be able to operate even for a day. We are concerned about our very survival," he said.

He said the operators' only hope now was the state budget to be presented on June 19.

"We cannot remain silent when a government welfare scheme threatens the existence of a major sector. Therefore, we have decided to launch a strike if the budget does not provide a relief package," he said.

The organisation will also hold discussions with other bus operators' bodies in the state regarding future action.

"We are not against the government providing free travel. But private buses and public buses, which operate under the same permit conditions and regulatory framework, are being treated differently," he said .

Gopinathan claimed that Chief Minister V D Satheesan had assured support for the private bus sector when he was Leader of the Opposition and had reiterated the assurance after assuming office.

"Those assurances must now be translated into action. We expect a favourable package in the budget to prevent us from going on strike," he said.

He pointed out that private buses operate on fares fixed by the government, unlike most other businesses.

"Diesel prices have increased by Rs 7 per litre since the last fare revision. Bus body-building costs have risen by 30 per cent. Engine oil and tyre prices have also increased substantially. Therefore, we deserve a support package," he said.

He suggested that private buses be provided with subsidised fuel, similar to the subsidy extended to fishing boats.

He also sought government assistance in meeting expenses such as insurance premiums.

"We have submitted a 10-page proposal to the government," he said.

Gopinathan said KSRTC services are currently concentrated in the central and southern districts of the state.

"With the free travel scheme, MLAs from northern districts are likely to demand more KSRTC services, and additional services may be introduced there," he said. PTI