Kerala's private bus operators unwilling to start operations with restrictions

The operators of private buses plying in Kerala informed the government that they are unwilling to operate their buses complying with the restrictions imposed by the state considering the COVID situation. The association informed the state that such a decision was taken because such an operation will not earn them any profit. The state had informed the operators that the buses may not carry more than 50% of their seating capacity. Operating like that will only double the existing losses, said the bus owners.

The operators are already demanding a raise in the bus fare to accommodate the losses incurred due to the lockdown imposed during COVID-19 spread in the state. Transport minister AK Saseendran had earlier promised them that the issues could be sorted out without increasing the fare as yet.

70% of the operators have given the G Form to stall the operation for the coming one year. There are 12000 private buses operating in the state. All the buses have stopped their service as the lockdown is in place. Chances are that travellers could skip using the public transport even after restrictions are lifted.

The state transport department's restriction of one person per seat will drop the bus operator's profit considerably. The bus owners are asking for subsidies and fare hikes in the current state of losses due to lock down. The owners are also demanding a tax cut as well. 

• Kerala
• bus
• restrictions
• lockdown