LDF govt decides to hike bus, auto, taxi fares; pvt bus owners unhappy with proposed increase

The LDF government in Kerala on Wednesday decided to hike minimum fares for travel by buses, autorickshaws, taxis and quadricycles, but appointed a commission to examine whether student ticket prices should be increased — a move not appreciated by private bus owners.

State Transport Minister Antony Raju, in a press conference in the evening, said that the LDF during the day held a meeting in which it was decided to increase minimum bus fares from Rs 8 to Rs 10 and subsequent per kilometre charge to Re 1 from 90 paise and to appoint a commission to examine the issue of increasing the student ticket rates.

Private bus owners had demanded increasing the minimum fare of the general public from Rs 8 to Rs 12 and the subsequent per kilometre charge to Rs 1.10 from 90 paise.

They had also wanted the minimum student fare to be increased to Rs 6 and were, therefore, dissatisfied with the governments decision.

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 governments decision to appoint a commission to examine the aspect of increasing student ticket fares.

The Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federations president, Sathyan, told

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