Thrissur: Although curbs on public transport have been lifted in the fourth phase of lockdown, private buses would not return to roads in the near future.
The government has not given any directions to private buses either.
Having been in docks for months means bringing back buses to streets all on a sudden is difficult.
They would have to taken to workshops before plying.
As they are in docks for more than two and half months, authorities waived tax and insurance—however in order to avail them they have to finish three months in dock.
Tax is levied on 57 passengers including standees, and plying with 24 people based on social distancing norms would not be viable.
As well as hiking charges moderately, bus-owners demand cut on road tax and fuel prices.
Huge charges would keep passengers off the buses. Instead, the government should offer concessions to tide over the crisis, said bus operators’ Federation state treasurer Hamsa Arikunnan.