Private buses operating in the state will be fewer in number on Friday, as the dawn-to-dusk strike called for by a section of bus operators has begun.
Buses operating under Kerala Bus Transport Association, Bus Operators Forum, Private Bus Owners Youth Federation, Kerala Private Bus Owners Youth Federation are taking part in the strike. The bus operators together form the Private Bus Operators Confederation.
The operators have called for the strike pressing various demands including hike in bus fare and rollback of increase in road tax, reports Mathrubhumi Online.
Inclusion of petroleum products in GST and withdrawal of hike in vehicle insurance premium are the other demands.
The operators have decided to go for an indefinite strike from September 14 if the token strike of Friday fails.
However, a section of the operators who control over 9,000 buses will keep away from the pre-announced strike, reports Manorama Online.
Representatives of All Kerala Bus Operators Associations' Coordination Committee said that they will keep off the strike, the reports states.
The association’s decision to abstain from the strike came after talks with Transport minister Thomas Chandy, who agreed to take up the concerns of the bus operators with the Chief Minister. The talks were held on August 14.
They are supported by more organisations including the All Kerala Bus Operators Association and Inter-state Bus Operators Association.