Kerala private bus operators warn free travel scheme is hurting sector
Private bus operators in Kerala say the Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women and transgender passengers has sharply reduced their customer base and revenues. They are seeking fare increases and other support, while the government says the scheme has enabled millions of free journeys.
Kerala’s private bus sector is facing intensified competition and falling revenues after the state government introduced the Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women and transgender passengers on ordinary KSRTC buses. Operators say the industry was already weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted passengers to other forms of transport. Janatha Sabu, a private bus owner, said the scheme had eroded more than half of the sector’s existing passenger base.
The government says the programme facilitated an average of 12.93 lakh free journeys a day during its first 100 days and created a financial liability of about ₹267 crore for KSRTC. Private operators say around 700 buses stopped operating during that period. Operators report daily revenue losses of ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 in southern Kerala.
Some say they make only ₹500 to ₹1,000 in daily profit after fuel, wages and maintenance. They are seeking a minimum fare of ₹15 and higher student fares. The competition has also produced disputes at bus stands and pressure on crews to maintain schedules.
Operators say fuel costs have risen while fares remain unchanged, increasing the risk of further closures.
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