Kochi, Apr 01: Private bus operators in Kerala would go on an indefinite strike from today as per the decision taken by its state council meeting held at Thrissur on March 22, for achieving their various demands submitted to the government. K A Makkarkunju, general secretary, Ernakulam District Private Bus Operators Association, told earlier that despite several representations to the government to help them to run the bus services, the government had not taken any step in this regard.
He said the private bus service which catered to the needs of 85 percent people for transportation were already facing problems and the frequent hike in diesel prices had put the sector in a tight corner.
Among their demands are increasing bus fare, to bring changes in the present student concession system, no new bus permit should be given until routes were formulated and withdrawal of increased taxes, fine and fees.
Alleging that despite several representations to the government no action had been taken to help the private bus operators, he said adding by introducing new orders the government was harassing the bus operators. Bureau Report