Key facts
- Private bus operators in Kerala are concerned about the state's new 'Priyadarshini' free travel scheme for women on KSRTC buses.
- Operators claim the scheme was implemented unilaterally and has led to a sharp drop in women passengers.
- They warn that up to 75% of private buses may cease operations by the end of June due to financial strain.
- Private bus operators are demanding significant government financial assistance to ensure their survival.
- The scheme, a major election promise, aims to improve mobility and reduce travel costs for women and transgender persons.
Private bus operators in Kerala have voiced strong concerns regarding the state's recently launched 'Priyadarshini' scheme, which offers free travel to women and transgender individuals on ordinary KSRTC buses. Representatives of private bus organizations stated that the scheme was implemented without prior consultation and warned of severe repercussions for their industry's survival.
Hamsa, General Secretary of the Private Bus Operators Federation, reported a significant decline in women passengers on private buses since the scheme's inception on Monday. He claimed that approximately 75% of private buses might be forced off the roads by June 30 due to a sharp drop in revenue, making it difficult to cover fuel expenses and salaries.
Operators are calling for substantial government assistance, comparable to the support provided to KSRTC, arguing that measures like road tax concessions or minor fuel subsidies would be insufficient. A meeting was scheduled for private bus operators to finalize their demands and suggestions to be presented to the government.
The 'Priyadarshini' scheme, a key election promise of the Congress-led UDF government, aims to enhance mobility, improve access to education and employment, and reduce travel expenses for women and transgender persons. The government has indicated that steps would be taken to address the concerns raised by the private bus sector.