Thiruvananthapuram, 11 June (H.S.):

Private bus operators in Kerala have threatened to launch an indefinite strike after June 19, protesting the State government's decision to provide free travel for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) ordinary bus services.

The warning was issued by the All Kerala Private Bus Operators Association during a meeting held in Thrissur on Thursday. The association expressed concern that the recently announced free travel scheme for women in KSRTC buses would severely impact the viability of private bus services across the state.

Bus operators argued that women constitute a significant portion of their daily passengers and that the shift of commuters to KSRTC services could result in substantial revenue losses. They claimed that the scheme, while beneficial to passengers, could push many private operators into financial distress and threaten the survival of the sector.

The operators also pointed out that student bus fares have remained unchanged for the past 15 years despite rising operational costs. They said private buses continue to operate at fares fixed by the government, leaving little room to absorb additional financial pressures.

According to the association, the government must announce a comprehensive relief package for the private bus sector in the upcoming State Budget. They demanded that private operators be extended benefits and concessions similar to those provided to KSRTC, including financial assistance and policy support.

The association warned that if the government fails to address their concerns and introduce measures to protect the industry, private bus services across Kerala could come to a halt after June 19.

Operators further noted that any large-scale disruption in private bus services would not only affect public transportation but could also result in job losses for thousands of workers employed in the sector, including drivers, conductors and other staff.

The protest comes amid the Kerala government's rollout of the free travel scheme for women in KSRTC ordinary buses, a flagship welfare initiative aimed at reducing travel expenses and improving mobility for women across the state. Private bus operators are now urging the government to balance welfare measures with the sustainability of the state's private transport network.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman