Private Buses in Kerala to Strike Tomorrow Over Unmet Demands

Private bus owners in Kerala are set to go on strike on October 31 after the government declined to meet their demands. The demands include an increase in ticket rates for students and the withdrawal of an order mandating the installation of surveillance cameras and seat belts. The Kerala Transport Department had issued an order making seat belts and surveillance cameras mandatory for issuing fitness certificates for heavy vehicles from November 1. The order applies to all heavy vehicles, including stage carriers and KSRTC buses. Private bus owners are seeking an extension of the deadline for compliance.

In addition to this strike, the Kannur Bus Operators Association Coordination Committee has also decided to join the indefinite strike scheduled to begin on November 21. The strike reflects the ongoing disagreement between private bus operators and the government, raising concerns about the potential impact on public transportation services in the region.