Private bus operators have opposed the United Democratic Front (UDF)’s proposal to provide free travel for women on KSRTC buses across the State, one of the coalition’s key promises during the Assembly election campaign.

The operators urged the UDF to reconsider the proposal, stating that the government should hold discussions with private bus owners before implementing the scheme.

All Kerala Bus Operators Organisation (AKBOO) State general secretary T. Gopinathan here on Monday described the UDF move as a unilateral decision.

“Women and students form the majority of passengers who rely on private buses. If women are allowed to travel free on KSRTC services, private buses will be left carrying mostly students,” Mr. Gopinathan said.

He warned that such a situation could severely affect the financial viability of private bus services, making it difficult for operators to pay workers’ wages and meet fuel expenses.

“In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the number of private buses is comparatively low. Kerala’s situation is entirely different. It was unfair for the UDF to announce such a decision without consulting private bus operators,” he said.

Mr. Gopinathan also noted that bus owners had held extensive discussions with Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan during his Puthuyuga Yatra ahead of the Assembly elections, during which he had assured them that their concerns would be addressed.

Meanwhile, the KSRTC has begun collecting data on male and female passengers as part of preparations for implementing the proposed free-travel scheme for women.