THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant move aimed at easing the burden on cancer patients, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will now provide free travel for those undergoing treatment anywhere in the state, including at private hospitals.
Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar announced in the Assembly, stating that the facility will be available on all bus classes below the Super Fast class. The KSRTC board is expected to formally approve the decision in its meeting scheduled for Thursday.
The Minister also stated in the assembly that KSRTC’s daily revenue is steadily increasing. Compared to last year, there has been an increase of 2.2 million passengers, which has helped the department earn an additional ₹260 million. He claimed that KSRTC’s income is consistently rising every day.
KSRTC introduced a 50% travel concession for cancer patients undergoing treatment in government hospitals in 2012. But it was limited to ordinary and city services. Free travel will be available on all KSRTC buses, from ordinary services to superfast buses, the minister informed the assembly.
Recently, KSRTC recorded its highest-ever daily revenue of ₹101.9 million. The Minister added that the second-highest daily revenue of ₹94.1 million was achieved on the Monday before last. KSRTC has been reducing losses by purchasing new buses and managing idle buses that were previously running without passengers.
The transport minister also noted that KSRTC earned over ₹150 million in additional revenue during August. The introduction of an online payment system on KSRTC buses has contributed to the increase in passengers. The Minister claimed that efforts to ensure safe travel for women and children have also attracted more passengers.
KSRTC’s revenue per kilometre increased from ₹45.79 to ₹49.81, and the average income per bus rose from ₹15,600 to ₹16,768, the Minister added.
