Thiruvananthapuram: In order to help bus owners cover the losses caused by social distancing, the government is to hike the bus fares in the state.
An order regarding this will soon announce the details, reports say.
The hike will be applicable only during the COVID-19 period.
With social distancing in force, only 19 people can board a 38-seater bus, allowing single passenger to occupy a two-seater and two passengers in three-seater.
No standees or straphangers will be allowed.
The owners maintain that operating buses is not viable during social distancing.
It would take at least four months before people start using public transport, they say.