After the introduction of Thiru Kochi buses, Kochites started avoiding the private red killers wisely and the ladies and students started using the KSRTC’s City services for their safe and comfort journey. But even after a year the authorities have not sanctioned travel concession for students in these buses. Express Buzz has reported an article about this recently.
When the KSRTC started Thirukochi services, Kochiites fed up with the speeding private buses heaved a sigh of relief. But even after a year the authorities have not sanctioned travel concession for students in these buses.
“When we enquired about it, the KSRTC officials said that the issue would be solved within a few days. But even after a year our children are at the mercy of private bus workers,” Antony, a parent, said. It is the students belonging to the lower income group who suffer the most. The KSRTC authorities in Ernakulam are still waiting for an order from their head-office.
“The order is yet to come. We are helpless,” said P L Jose, zonal officer, KSRTC, Ernakulam.
The travel woes of students can be reduced considerably if the KSRTC start two or three Students Only buses to Aluva, Thoppumpady, Kakkanad and Tripunithura during peak hours. The buses conducting Students Only services in the morning and evening can be used for regular trips during the rest of the day.
With the introduction of the Thirukochi services, a good number of private buses, most of them with temporary permits, have ceased their services. This has made matters worse for students.
‘We’ll solve the issue soon’The matter of issuing concession tickets to students in Thirukochi buses will be brought to the notice of the Minister concerned soon, Hibi Eden MLA told ‘City Express.’ “We will soon take steps to solve the travel woes of students in the city. We are hopeful that the Transport Minister will take adequate measures to start Students Only buses,” Hibi said. He said that KSU had earlier organised several protest marches demanding the issuance of concession tickets to students. “In Thiruvananthapuram, the KSRTC used to issue concession tickets where students can pay three months’ concession fare in advance. This system can be introduced in Kochi, too. But the Transport Department should have a final say in this,” Hibi said.
