Kasaragod: Pvt buses remain off road as bus owners go on strike

Kasaragod: Private buses will remain off-road on October 31 as the Bus Owners Association has declared a state-wide strike.

The association is protesting against the unilateral decision to offer free travel for the economically disadvantaged, without the fulfillment of assurances made by the Transport Minister during discussions regarding the recent satyagraha led by KK Thomas, President of the Private Bus Owners’ Association.

The association has also warned to go on an indefinite strike from November 21 if its demands are not met.

The bus owners are discontent with the Kerala government’s failure to increase student travel fares, despite persistent calls for an adjustment over several years.

Withdrawal of the mandatory installation of cameras and seat belts in buses, and the renewal of licenses for all buses irrespective of the 140 km distance limit, are among the other demands of the bus owners.