With intra-district bus services resuming from Wednesday, the government has increased the ticket rate by 50% and the minimum fare has gone up from ₹8 to ₹12.
It is reported that despite the 50% hike in fares, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation would incur a loss of ₹42 lakhs per day due to restrictions in number of travellers.
Meanwhile, the private bus operators, who serve as the lifeline for the general public, are yet to take a decision on resuming service. They are of the opinion that increasing ticket fares alone would not help solve the problem.
Kerala’s transport minister A.K. Saseendran said that bus services were suspended due to national lockdown and that the private bus operators have not given notice for strike. He added that there is no need for any negotiations with them. “The government has given maximum discounts for them. Now, it is up to them to decide whether to resume service or not,” added the transport minister.
The Kerala government allowed short-distance services to resume as part of lockdown for relaxations. All passengers including the driver and conductor should wear masks and adhere to social distancing norms.