Bumpy Ride: Private bus sector in Keralam staring at a crisis

The private bus sector in Keralam is facing a crisis, according to reports. A recent incident at the Attingal private bus stand in Thiruvananthapuram serves as a stark reminder of the challenges the industry is grappling with. Intermittent rain and cloudy skies added to the tension as two buses arrived at the crowded stand at the same time.

One bus crew accused the other of stealing their passengers by delaying departure, leading to an argument. Despite this, the disputed bus left the stand after only a few passengers boarded. The owner-turned-conductor of the affected bus, however, blamed the driver for the delay, as he urged the driver to speed through traffic and skip stops to make up for lost time.

The situation is further exacerbated by the introduction of the Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women and transgender persons on KSRTC buses. With nearly half of the private bus passengers switching to alternative modes of transport, the scheme has dealt a significant blow to the already struggling private bus industry, eroding more than 50% of its existing passenger base.

Bus owners argue that the scheme has only worsened the competition, with many operators reporting reduced revenues and some even ceasing operations. Transport Minister C.P. John acknowledges the scheme's popularity but suggests increasing the minimum fare to ₹15 to offset the losses private bus operators are suffering. Despite the government's support, private bus operators are concerned about the slow death of their industry due to the combined effects of dwindling revenues, rising fuel prices, and the free travel scheme.