Thiruvananthapuram: Bus owners have demanded an increase in bus fares. The minimum charge should be increased from Rs 8 to Rs 12. According to the Bus Operators’ Organization, the service will not be able to continue without an increase in charges in the face of frequent fuel price hikes.
The diesel price has crossed Rs 81. Also, the vehicle tax, which was waived during the Covid period, has been halved. Bus owners say they are still unable to operate the service at a loss. In addition to raising the minimum charge to Rs 12, 90 paise per km should be increased to Rs 2.
Tax exemption for one year. The bus owners are also demanding a one-year delay in closing the welfare fund. They have also demanded a diesel subsidy. Insurance items have increased by about 10 percent in the last five years. The bus owners have decided not to go into a direct strike in the current situation. Covid had slightly increased bus fares last July because of the crisis.
