Kerala: Bus fare hike imminent, minimum charge set to be Rs 8

Thiruvananthapuram: The LDF has recommended an increase in minimum fares of ordinary buses from Rs 7 to Rs 8 and for fast passengers from Rs 10 to Rs 11. Accordingly, the fare of superfast services will go up from Rs 13 to Rs 15, super express from Rs 20 to Rs 22, super deluxe from Rs 28 to Rs 33 and AC Volvo from Rs 40 to Rs 45. The decision follows the threat of private bus operators to keep off roads from February 16. Their demand was Rs 10 for ordinary buses.

The cabinet meeting on Wednesday is likely to clear it. The last hike was in May 2014. The bus operators had also demanded the minimum concession for students fixed at Rs 5, a sharp increase from the current rate of Rs 1, and 50 percent of the standard fare above the minimum charge. Sources said there would be an increase in the student ticket rates but not to the level they wanted.

The operators had pointed out per km operating cost had gone up by Rs 11, and there was a 30 percent increase.  Another bus fare hike is around the corner as the government plans to increase charges by 10 percent on an average on all classes of stage carriers given the rising fuel and operating costs.