Bus fares hiked in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, May 14: Congress-led UDF government in Kerala today decided to hike bus fares by an average of 10 per cent on all classes of stage carriers in view of rising fuel cost and other transport accessories.

A decision to effect the bus fare hike, both for KeralaState Road Transport Corporation and private operators, recommendations of the Justice Ramachandran Committee for fare revision, was taken at cabinet meeting here today, State Transport Minister Thiruvanchroor Radhakrishnan told reporters.

The last bus fare hike in the state was in 2012 and afterthat there was an increase of nearly 22 per cent in the price of diesel, he said.

"Diesel price, which stood at Rs 48.75 per litre has reached Rs 60 now," he said, pointing out that it was also hiked by Rs one on Monday. There was no other option available to the government other than effecting a 'nominal hike' to offset the rising diesel prices and sustain the sector, Radhakrishnan said.

The minimum charge of ordinary (City and town) mofussiland City Fast services has been increased from Rs six to Rsseven, while that of Fast Passenger-Limited Stop Services toRs ten from Rs eight, Super Fast from Rs 12 to Rs 13, Super Express from Rs 17 to Rs 20, Super Delux from Rs 25 to Rs 28 and Volvo Bus services from Rs 35 to Rs 40.

Similarly, the rate per km has also been increased by about six paise to 30 paise depending on the category of service. The bus fare hike would come into effect from May 20, he said to a question. The government was also considering a financial packagefor reviving the cash-strapped Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, he said.

Students concession has not been revised and RamachandranCommittee has been asked to submit a report on the subject within three months, he said.

Private Bus Operators in the state had demanded an increase of Rs two in minimum charges of ordinary services and corresponding hike in other categories.

The Bus Operators Association had also threated indefinite stir if bus fare was not revised. KSRTC had also represented before the Committee to havea hike in bus fares of all categories to offset the rise in diesel price in the last few years.

PTI