Thiruvananthapuram: Owing to the coronavirus outbreak, the state government had granted permission to private buses but with certain conditions like one passenger in one seat in order to maintain social distancing.
However, the private bus owners have informed the government that partial restrictions will add to their existing loss and it is difficult to operate in such a condition.
They had demanded to increase the bus fare, however transport minister A K Saseendran opined that the financial crisis should be resolved without increasing the fare, but through other exemptions.
70 per cent of the private bus owners have submitted Form G to stop service for one year. There are 12,000 buses in the state. The bus owners will have a discussion with the government.
The Private Bus Operators Association has demanded increase of bus fare, allowance of fuel subsidy and complete evasion of vehicle tax.
