Private bus operators to launch Statewide strike on July 8

Private bus owners across the State have announced a strike on July 8 and have warned of an indefinite strike from July 22 if the government fails to address their long-pending demands.

The decision was declared at a press conference here on Thursday by the Joint Committee of Bus Owners after a State-level meeting of the organisation.

The committee said that despite repeated appeals, the government has not responded to core issues affecting the sector. The initial protest will begin with a symbolic service disruption on July 8, which will move to an indefinite strike from July 22 unless urgent remedial steps are taken.

Key demands raised

The key demands raised by the bus owners include renewal of expired permits without delay, withdrawal of the directive converting limited-stop buses into ordinary services, and revision of student concession rates.

The demanded immediate repair of damaged roads and ending the alleged apathy shown by the government towards public transport. They also called for an end to the excessive enforcement of penalty norms.

Addressing the media, joint committee chairperson Hamsa Erikkunnan, general convener T. Gopinath, and vice chairman Gokulam Gokuldas said the protest was finalised after detailed discussions. They said the strike was a last resort aimed at securing the survival of the struggling private bus industry and ensuring sustainable public transport for the people.