Overview
- The government said it will form an official committee to study whether the Priyadarshini free-travel scheme for women has shifted riders onto KSRTC ordinary buses and harmed private operators, a move announced on Monday.
- Transport Minister C. P. John said the committee will identify specific routes with losses, accept representations from operators, and report recommendations to the state.
- The government has ruled out withdrawing Priyadarshini and described it as vital for many families, while also acknowledging increased crowding on KSRTC ordinary services and saying there is no immediate operational fix.
- Private operators have complained that many women passengers moved to KSRTC after the scheme, have submitted a formal grievance, and staged local protests including a token strike in Kollam and calls for student-fare revisions.
- Officials stressed the private fleet’s long-term decline predated the scheme and pointed to earlier support measures such as a 50% cut in motor-vehicle tax, but warned they will act against unilateral fare hikes reported in places like Wayanad and will consider measures the committee recommends.