Fare hike: Private bus owners to go on strike on August 18

If the authorities fail to take action, an indefinite strike will be staged from September 14 onwards

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Private buses in the State will hold a token strike in the State on August 18. Private bus operators’ confederation representatives informed at a press conference here on Wednesday that they are entering the strike phase as their talks with the transport minister were not fruitful.

The strike is being held in support of their demand for increasing bus fare including students’ fare, increasing stage carriages, withdrawing road tax, and rolling back the decision to cancel private bus permits for above 140 km.

If their demands are not met, the strikers will start indefinite strike from September 14. Earlier also strikes were held with the same demands. The representatives said despite assurances, no steps had been taken to resolve their problems.