Date:31/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/31/stories/2008103159960300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Bus strike near-total in district

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A token strike called by the Bus Operators Coordination Committee, the apex body of three organisations of private bus operators in the State, on Thursday was near-total in the district.

The strike in Chirayinkeezhu taluk, where commuters depend mostly on private buses, was total.

In Thiruvananthapuram city, 20 of the 107 private buses operating in the city limits plied as usual.

As commuters in the city mostly depend on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s city services, the strike did not have much impact. The worst hit was those in Chirayinkeezhu taluk and those staying in far-flung areas.

Reason for strike

The operators are up in arms against the Transport Department’s decision to deny permits to private bus operators on routes on which they have been plying for more than five decades.

As per a September 15 notification, permits issued to private buses after May 9 will not be renewed.

Besides, permits issued before May 9 will be handed over to the KSRTC if they apply for it.