Private bus operators in Kerala threaten to launch agitation

KOCHI: Against the backdrop of the hike in diesel prices, major private bus operators in Kerala Monday formed a confederation to press for various demands, including increasing the minimum fare to Rs 7, failing which they would launch indefinite agitation from September 24 midnight.

Five bus operators associations---Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federation, Kerala Bus Transporters Association, Kerala State Limited Bus Operators Association, All Kerala Bus Operators Forum and Kerala State Private Bus Operators Association met here and formed the confederation.

Their demands include increasing the minimum fare to Rs 7 from the present Rs 5, hike in per km fare by 10 paise and that KSRTC buses also should provide concessions to students.

If their demands were not met, they would embark on an indefinite agitation from September 24 midnight, office bearers told reporters.

Meanwhile, another organisation Private Bus Operators Coordination Committee met at Thrissur and threatened to withdraw their buses from the roads from October one if fares were not hiked.