No hike in bus fares: Thomas

Kochi, Jun 8 (UNI) Kerala Transport Minister Mathew T Thomas today ruled out any hike in the bus fare following the recent increase in fuel prices.

Talking to newsmen after a meeting Transport officials here, the Minister, however, admitted the hike had further increased the burden on the already loss-making State Road Transport Corporation.

He said various plans were under consideration of the Government to tide over the huge loss and pull the corporation out of the red.

Mr Mathew said stern action would be taken against those guilty of causing Rs 17.46 lakh loss to the Corporation relating to bus body building.

Though the Corporation had its own body-building facility, the corruption had taken place in tendering the work to outside agencies, he added.

UNI JA GM 1932