Date:29/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/29/stories/2008102950030100.htm

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Private bus strike on Thursday

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Bus Operators’ Coordination Committee, an apex body of three private bus operators’ organisations in the State, has decided to proceed with a token strike on October 30 after Tuesday’s talks with Minister for Transport Mathew T. Thomas failed.

The committee has decided to resort to an indefinite strike from November 11 if the government continues with what they allege to be a discriminatory attitude towards the private buses.

The bone of contention is a Transport Department decision that would deny private bus operators permits for their staple routes.

As per a notification issued on September 15, 2008, permits issued to private buses after May 9, 2008, will not be renewed. Besides this, permits issued before that date will be handed over to the KSRTC if they apply for it. Only if the KSRTC is not in a position to operate services on any of the routes will temporary permits be issued to private buses.