Private bus operators to begin hunger strike on October 27

Private bus operators will begin an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Secretariat here on Tuesday, seeking measures to protect the private bus industry amid the crisis in the sector following the introduction of the Priyadarshini free-ride scheme.

K.K. Thomas, State president of the Kerala Bus Operators Federation, and Sharanya Manoj, vice-president of the Federation, will begin the indefinite hunger strike at 10 a.m. The protest will be inaugurated by M. Rahmathulla, MLA.

The main demands of the private bus operators include measures to protect the private bus industry, implementation of the recommendations of the Padmakumar Commission, and an increase in student ticket fares as well as bus fares, including the base fare. The operators also sought the provision of services legally due from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) without any hindrances.

They also demanded the timely renewal of permits for long-distance buses and the withdrawal of the decision by the KSRTC to take over these routes. The crisis has been exacerbated by factors such as an ₹8-per-litre increase in diesel prices and the rising cost of spare parts required for bus operations, said the Federation office-bearers here on Monday.