Kerala private bus operators plan strike over women's free travel scheme

Private bus operators across Kerala plan to withdraw services starting November 3 in protest against the state government's women's free travel initiative, which currently applies only to state-run buses. The operators are demanding that the scheme be extended to private bus services, with the government reimbursing them for ticket revenues lost through the programme.

The free travel scheme for women passengers has been operational on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, creating a competitive disadvantage for private operators who continue to charge fares. Private bus associations argue that the differential treatment undermines their business viability and places them at a significant competitive disadvantage in the market.

Operators contend that extending the scheme to private buses would require government financial support to compensate for lost fares, similar to the arrangement with state-run services. Without such reimbursement mechanisms, they argue, many private operators face severe financial strain and operational sustainability challenges.

The planned strike represents a significant challenge to Kerala's public transport system, with private buses handling a substantial portion of inter-city and regional passenger traffic across the state. The action is likely to impact thousands of daily commuters and businesses dependent on reliable transportation services.

The strike announcement underscores ongoing tensions between the state government and private transport operators over the implementation and financial implications of social welfare schemes in the public transport sector.