Now Reading: Priyadarshini scheme logs 12.62 crore free rides in 100 days
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Priyadarshini scheme logs 12.62 crore free rides in 100 days
The Congress-led UDF government's Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women and transgender persons on KSRTC buses completed 100 days on Tuesday, with 12.62 crore free journeys undertaken and an average of 12.93…
The Congress-led UDF government's Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women and transgender persons on KSRTC buses completed 100 days on Tuesday, with 12.62 crore free journeys undertaken and an average of 12.93 lakh daily rides. The scheme has cost Rs 267 crore, which the state government has promised to reimburse. Daily ridership rose 25.7% from 11.08 lakh in the first week to 13.93 lakh in the 13th week, with the highest single-day count of 15.52 lakh recorded on September 7.
Private bus operators said the scheme had forced around 700 buses off the road, leaving about 11,000 in service, with many running reduced services. They reported staff shortages as owners struggled to pay wages, particularly in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Wayanad. Operators are meeting Transport Minister C.P. John on Wednesday to demand a fare hike and higher student concession rates, warning of protests if their demands are not met.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The KSRTC was already carrying losses of over Rs 1,000 crore before the scheme launched, and the government has budgeted Rs 500 crore for it this year. Private operators collectively run about 12,000 buses statewide. A fare revision for private buses was last done in 2019. The Padmakumar Committee, appointed after operator protests, had recommended an interim fare hike of 10-15%, which the government has not acted on. Wednesday's meeting with the Transport Minister may decide whether private operators begin an indefinite strike that would test the KSRTC's capacity to absorb their passengers.
Source: thehindu.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
