Kochi: Private bus operators are demanding yet another hike after the one implemented over a year ago. And with the Fare Revision Committee appointed by the government supporting the claims of bus owners, it seems another ticket fare hike is on the cards.
But, obviously, the UDF government does not want to go in for a hike immediately as the Lok Sabha polls are round the corner. The hike is very much on the card ones the elections are over.Nearly 35, 000 private buses operate in the state, forming the backbone of the public transportation system.
The hike is contemplated despite the fact that the state is among the costliest for commuters in the country when it comes to public transportation. The current minimum charge here is Rs 6 against Rs 3 in Tamil Nadu and Rs 4 in Karnataka.click here for more information about Bus Ride Costliest The income per km in Kerala is the highest in South India because of the high density of population and subsequent demand for public transport.
Experts point out that the Fare Revision Committee submitted inflated expenditure figures to the government and another hike close on the heels of the tax rise on autos and taxis proposed in the Budget would lead to commuters deserting the public transport system in the state.
“The committee headed by Justice Ramachandran basically relied on a NATPAC study that showed the average number of passengers per bus as 32 whereas the private bus owners themselves submitted it as 50.
If we take the latter figure then the minimum charge would come to only Rs 3 and the per km charge 33 paise,” said Dijo Kappen of the Pala-based Centre for Consumer Education, who approached the high court against frequent bus fare hikes.
When contacted, NATPAC scientist T. Elangovan stood by the study. “The last year saw diesel prices going up by 12 per cent and wages by 15 per cent (Rs 680 from Rs 580). The insurance charge has also gone up besides spare part costs,” he said.
But, obviously, the UDF government does not want to go in for a hike immediately as the Lok Sabha polls are round the corner. The hike is very much on the card ones the elections are over.Nearly 35, 000 private buses operate in the state, forming the backbone of the public transportation system.
Experts point out that the Fare Revision Committee submitted inflated expenditure figures to the government and another hike close on the heels of the tax rise on autos and taxis proposed in the Budget would lead to commuters deserting the public transport system in the state.
“The committee headed by Justice Ramachandran basically relied on a NATPAC study that showed the average number of passengers per bus as 32 whereas the private bus owners themselves submitted it as 50.
If we take the latter figure then the minimum charge would come to only Rs 3 and the per km charge 33 paise,” said Dijo Kappen of the Pala-based Centre for Consumer Education, who approached the high court against frequent bus fare hikes.
When contacted, NATPAC scientist T. Elangovan stood by the study. “The last year saw diesel prices going up by 12 per cent and wages by 15 per cent (Rs 680 from Rs 580). The insurance charge has also gone up besides spare part costs,” he said.
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