Kerala Cabinet nod for bus fare hike

Thiruvananthapuram, July 1 The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday gave the nod to increase bus fares to be in force during the coronavirus crisis.

Earlier applicable minimum charge of Rs 8 for 5 km will now be applicable to a distance of 2.5 km.

Other slabs are Rs 10 for a 5-km ride, Rs 13 for 7.5 km, and Rs 15 for 10 km. For each of the next fare stage, the fares go up by Rs 2.

Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran presented the fare increase proposal to the Cabinet after Justice Ramachandran (retd)-led commission submitted recommendations to hike the fares.

Even though the Commission had recommended a hike in student concession rates, it was shot down as educational institutions are closed at present.