Thiruvananthapuram: Private bus owners are threatening to go on strike yet again demanding a hike in fares.
The development comes in wake of the government's failure to implement the hike in fares as was agreed during a meeting with the private bus owner's association four months ago.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier approved the Transport Department's recommendation to increase the minimum charge from Rs 8 to Rs 10 for 2.5 km. But it was not implemented.
The association is now demanding that the minimum fare be raised to Rs 12 and the student's fare, to Rs 6.
The budget too had nothing in support of the bus owners, they said. It is believed that this further aggravated the situation and forced the association to take this hasty decision.
The association has planned an indefinite strike until their demands are met. However, they are waiting until March 31 for a response from the government.
The current minimum charge is Rs 8.
