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Private bus operators have urged the State government to step in with compensation measures after the introduction of free travel for women in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses significantly impacted their revenue.

Addressing the media here on Tuesday the Kerala Private Bus Operators Federation stated that private buses are also willing to offer free travel to women passengers, provided the government compensates them.

As part of their proposal, operators suggested that they would hand over their entire daily revenue to the government if the scheme is extended to private buses. In return, they have demanded a payment of ₹55 per km from the State.

To ensure transparency, the federation recommended deploying government-appointed conductors and implementing an official ticketing system in private buses. They added that maintenance costs, employee salaries, and other operational expenses would continue to be borne by the bus owners.

The operators also called for the introduction of a “zero-ticket” system for women passengers in private buses, similar to the one in KSRTC services. They argued that just as KSRTC receives compensation from the government for the scheme, private operators should be granted similar financial support.

As alternative measures, the federation demanded a full waiver of road tax for private buses operating on routes serviced by KSRTC, or subsidised diesel at half the current price. They indicated plans to present these demands to Chief Minister V.D. Satheshan.

Warning of possible agitation, the federation said it would be forced to launch strong protests if none of their demands are accepted.

While clarifying that they are not opposed to welfare measures introduced by the government, the operators stressed that such policies should not adversely affect one segment of the transport sector. According to them, the shift of women passengers entirely to KSRTC buses has left private services struggling with dwindling passengers, making it difficult to cover fuel costs or pay staff salaries, and raising the possibility of service disruptions.

Federation leaders, including State president K.K. Thomas, general secretary Hamsa Erikkunnan and treasurer M.S. Premkumar addressed the media on the issue.

End.mini