A revision in the bus fare is essential for the survival of the business, says All-Kerala Bus Operators’ Association office-bearers. They also substantiate their claim with statistics.
According to them, the income earned in a day is not proportional to the expense. “Services are run on a loss of Rs 2,447 per day,” they say.
Though the government fixes the income, it does not take any responsibility for controlling the expenditure.
It is unfortunate that government does not extend any support to bus owners who perform a social commitment through running the business,” said T Gopinathan, general secretary of the organisation.
According to a study conducted by the organisation, the average expense for conducting services in 250 km is `8,819. it means that the expense per km is `35.28. But the income is just Rs 6,372.
“Nobody will believe that services are run on such a loss. Expense by way of wear and tear and interest on capital (approximately Rs 6374 and Rs 624 respectively) are extra. Services are disrupted on at least 25 days in a year owing to hartal or some other reasons.
Another 15 days are needed for maintenance and painting annually.
Unnecessary fines exacted by Motor Vehicles Department and Police are another expense.
“As per the latest information, the monthly loss of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation is Rs 62 crore. The government is paying for the losses of KSRTC. Recently, in the name of expansion, the KSRTC penetrated to certain routes where private buses were conducting services,” Gopinathan said.
He is of the opinion that students of premier institutions, who pay hefty fees, should not be allowed concession.
“Those who pay Rs 5,000 and Rs 5 lakh pay the same fare in a bus. This practice should be brought to an end and the government should shoulder the responsibility for transportation of students,” he said.
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