The protest, led by the Private Bus Operators Federation, comes amid mounting concerns over declining passenger numbers and shrinking revenue. In Palakkad, private bus employees have alleged that the financial crisis has drastically reduced their wages, with drivers and conductors now receiving only Rs 600 per day. The sharp reduction in earnings has triggered protests by transport workers, who claim the situation has become increasingly unsustainable.
The free travel initiative, known as the Priyadarshini Scheme, was introduced by the Congress government under the Indira Guarantee Scheme and is currently being implemented on 3,125 ordinary KSRTC buses across Kerala. According to the Transport Department, the scheme has resulted in an additional five lakh women using ordinary KSRTC bus services. However, private bus operators contend that the initiative has significantly reduced their passenger base and caused substantial losses in revenue.
Responding to the issue in the Kerala Assembly, Transport Minister C. P. John acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and said the government would hold discussions with all stakeholders to find a solution to the crisis. He stated that the government had already reduced the motor vehicle tax burden on private buses by 59 percent to provide financial relief to the sector.
The minister also advised private bus operators to explore additional sources of income, including advertising on buses, similar to the revenue model adopted by KSRTC. He appealed to operators not to suspend services, assuring them that the government was prepared to engage in dialogue instead of allowing the dispute to escalate further.
C. P. John said the problem was most severe on routes where private buses and ordinary KSRTC buses operate simultaneously. He added that the issue could be addressed through improved scheduling and better route coordination to minimise direct competition between the two transport services.
The unfolding dispute has intensified concerns over the future of Kerala's private bus sector, with operators warning of mounting financial pressure while the government seeks a balanced solution that protects public welfare without destabilising private transport services.
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