Govt. will not allow hike in student bus concession fare: Transport Minister - The HinduPublished - July 07, 2026 08:11 pm IST - KASARAGODThe State government will not allow any increase in the student bus concession fare, Transport Minister C.P. John said on Tuesday (July 7), asserting that protecting students’ travel benefit remained the government’s priority despite financial challenges.Addressing the media in Kasaragod, the Minister said increasing the concession fare for students would not be appropriate. He added that the government would examine the issue carefully and take an appropriate decision after consulting all stakeholders.The Minister’s remarks came amid demands by private bus operators to increase the student concession fare. He said the government would seek the views of various stakeholders and the departments concerned before arriving at a decision.Mr. John said a committee would be appointed to study the demands raised by private bus operators. The government, he added, would strike a balance between ensuring affordable travel for students and sustaining the public transport system before taking a final decision.On the State government’s free travel scheme for women in KSRTC buses, Mr. John said it was a government policy and applied equally to all women without distinctions based on income or age. He said the government would examine and address issues faced by private bus operators in connection with the Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme for women.According to him, operational issues exist only on routes where KSRTC and private buses operate parallel services. The Minister also said that transport management committees would be constituted at all KSRTC depots to improve the utilisation of vacant KSRTC buildings. MLAs would head the committees, with representatives from municipalities and Corporations serving as members, along the lines of hospital management committees.The Minister said the government was not considering setting up a new KSRTC depot in Kasaragod district.Published - July 07, 2026 08:11 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }