One man's loss is another man's gain; Perils of KSRTC's free bus travel for women

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Free travel for women in KSRTC buses will be implemented in the state from June 15. The decision was taken by the UDF government following their stunning return to power after a decade. Though the scheme may seem like a bonanza for some, the private bus owners and staff are anticipating the worst. Some among the owners are even pondering stopping the service itself.

Free travel in KSRTC will make many ordinary people dependent on it. Along with this, the increase in fuel prices will break the bank of private bus operators. The increase in fuel costs and the decrease in passengers will be the final nail in the coffin for them. These are hard times for private bus operators, who are incurring losses due to poor passenger turnout. Bus operators say that the expenses are more than the income. There are salaries to be paid for employees and the maintenance of vehicles. It is common these days for private bus owners to spend extra money from their own pockets.

In addition, migrant workers who had gone to their home states in the wake of the assembly elections have not yet returned. Fuel prices increased by more than Rs three per litre on the 15th. Last Tuesday, fuel prices increased again, to 86 paise per litre. The price increased again on Saturday. Petrol increased by 85 paise per litre and diesel by 88 paise. This is an average increase of Rs 5 in these nine days. Along with this, schools will reopen next month, and with the new scheme coming, many are likely to desert private buses and rely on KSRTC. A way needs to be sorted out, or else it will be gruelling for private bus operators to survive in the business.