India
Kerala Priyadarshini free travel scheme hits 100 days
The Hindu··4d ago
Kerala's Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women and transgender persons on KSRTC buses completed 100 days on Tuesday. Official figures put average free journeys at 12.93 lakh a day. Women had taken 12.62 crore free journeys, creating about Rs 267 crore in KSRTC liability. Private operators said around 700 buses stopped running and will meet the transport minister on Wednesday.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Women and transgender riders on KSRTC buses continue to travel without paying under the scheme.
- Private bus cuts in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Wayanad may leave fewer paid alternatives on some routes.
- Operators plan to press for a fare hike and higher student concession rates at Wednesday's meeting.
What's Happening
- Daily ridership rose from 11.08 lakh in the first week to 13.93 lakh in the 13th week.
- The highest single day was September 7, with 15,52,761 journeys and ticket value of Rs 3.29 crore.
- Private operators say more than half of remaining buses are running reduced services.
The Numbers So Far
- The Congress-led UDF government rolled out the scheme on KSRTC services.
- The State government has said it will meet the KSRTC liability with periodic assistance.
- All Kerala Bus Operators Organisation general secretary T. Gopinathan said operators may halt services if demands are unmet.
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