Date:10/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/10/stories/2008071050180100.htm

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Increase in bus fare imminent in State

Special Correspondent

Minimum charge for ordinary services may go up
Government to announce fare revision in Assembly

V.S. Achuthanandan says talks on fare hike have been going on.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet is understood to have given the green signal for an increase in bus fares in the State.

The fare for ordinary services is likely to go up by six paise a km. A hike of five paise a km is likely for fast passenger services. The minimum charge for ordinary services may increase from Rs. 3 to Rs. 4. The government will announce the decision on fare revision only in the Assembly on Thursday or later as the House is in session.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, who briefed the media on the Cabinet decisions, did not confirm revision but only acknowledged that discussions had been going on over a fare hike.

The Left Democratic Front had earlier approved the proposal for a fare revision after the private bus operators and the Kerala Road State Transport Corporation pressed for a revision citing increase in diesel prices and other costs. Though there was a specific demand for increase in student fares in the State, that was not conceded.

The Cabinet decided to form destination management councils at important tourist centres. They will oversee the running and maintenance of tourist facilities.

The Chief Minister said that people’s representatives, officials and representatives of non-governmental agencies associated with tourism would be members of the council.

The Cabinet had also decided to create 90 posts in the High Court under various categories in view of the Central government’s decision to sanction nine posts of judges.