THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is considering hiking the bus fares in the state from February 1. It is reliably learnt that the chief minister has given clearance to the recommendations given by the transport department for increasing the fare.
It is learnt that the transport minister will once again hold discussions with bus owners before announcing the hike. According to sources, the minimum fare for 2.5km which at present is Rs 8, will be increased to Rs 10. The fare per km which is 80 paise, will be increased to Re 1. The other increase in the rates will be in commensuration with this fare.
Even though the bus owners have been demanding that the minimum fare should be made Rs 12, the government is unlikely to agree to this demand, it is learnt. Instead, there will be a special fare for night trips. It is learnt that 50% extra will be charged for the ordinary service trips between 8pm and 5am.
It is learnt that the students from below poverty line (BPL) families will be offered bus travel free of cost. This will be applicable to those who hold yellow ration cards. For other students, the minimum concession travel rates will be fixed at Rs 5. It is learnt that the government has taken a stand that it will not hold further discussions with the student representatives with regards to the minimum fare for students.
The bus owners had earlier announced a strike demanding a fare hike, but had decided to postpone it in the wake of the assurance from the government that the hike will be implemented after the ongoing Sabarimala season.
