Keralam Private Bus Operators Warn Of Indefinite Strike From November 3: What Are Their Key Demands?

Keralam News: Amid growing demand to increase fare prices, private bus operators on Friday in Keralam warned of an indefinite strike from November 3. The All Kerala Bus Operators Association announced the likely strike after a state coordination committee meeting in Kochi.

They are also demanding compensation for losses allegedly caused by free bus travel for women on state-run buses and a revision of student concessions.

Speaking to reporters, T Gopinathan, AKBOA general secretary, said that losses of around Rs 800 crore have been suffered by the private bus operators since the introduction of the Priyadarshini scheme.

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What is Priyadarshini scheme?

This scheme offers free travel for women on ordinary-category buses that are operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.

According to T Gopinathan, all private operators will go on an indefinite strike from November 3 if the state government does not come forward to protect them.

What Are Their Demands?

- The association's main demand is increasing the minimum bus fare to Rs 15.
- They also demanded that student concession fares be fixed at 50 per cent of the regular ticket fare.
- The association is also demanding that free bus rides for women be extended to private buses, and the government should compensate the operators for the cost.

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Hunger Strike From Oct 27?

Meanwhile, another association of bus owners, the Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federation, announced a hunger strike before the state Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram from October 27 if the demands are not met.

This association is further demanding government help for private bus operators who are affected by the Priyadarshini scheme, a hike in bus fares, and a revision of student concessions.