It is recommended that the bus fare in the state be increased to a minimum of Rs.10. The recommendation was made by the government-appointed Justice Ramachandran Commission to study the charges. A preliminary report on this has been submitted to the government.
Eight rupees for the five-kilometer stretch. After that, every two and a half kilometers can be increased by Rs 2. The commission’s report recommends a 50 percent reduction in student enrollment. The hike is only for Kovid times. A high-level meeting will be convened today under the chairmanship of the Transport Minister to finalize the tariff hike.
The bus fare had already been increased by 50 percent due to Kovid. It was meant to take the passengers along the social distance. The government later dropped the stipulation. Charges were subsequently withdrawn. The bus owners had approached the High Court. Following this, the Commission was asked to submit its report expeditiously.
Transport Minister AK Sasheendran said that the cabinet meeting was a final decision on the bus fare hike. Justice Ramachandran will submit the commission report to the chief minister after reviewing the transport department. The increase will only be for the Kovid period. We need to consult with student organizations, including the regular ones, to raise rates consistently. Justice Ramachandran has submitted an interim report to the Commission.
