Kozhikode: Hundreds of private buses plied in North Malabar on Thursday without conductor holding ticket rack but a bucket.
Yes, it has been a collection from passengers for the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).
Some 450 buses in Kasargod district had been part of the initiative, and in Kozhikode district, 150 in Koyilandy taluk set off on a similar campaign.
The 'Compassionate Run' was under the aegis of the local wing of Kerala State Private Bus Operators' Federation.
"The response was overwhelming. Many peoplea who usually travel in own vehicles boarded a bus on Thursday towards the good cause," said Sathyan Poochakad, district general secretary of the federation.
They generously donated many times more than their ticket fare. Kasargod district collector Dr Sajith Babu flagged off the event, and he travelled from Kasargod to Vidyanagar on the bus.
Students also wholly cooperated with the initiative.
Sponsors came up offering to foot fuel bills. The owners of the buses which are in the garage had given their share in advance.
In Koyilandy, buses plying in Kozhikode, Vadakara, Thamarasserry and Perambra routes were part of the drive. Deputy transport commissioner Dr Mohammad Najeeb flagged off the compassionate run at Koyilandy bus stand.
Joint RTO Rajesh P., principal sub-inspector of Koyilandy Saju Abraham, were present.
Buses and auto-rickshaws in local towns are also organising similar initiatives for a week in North Malabar.
