Opposition walks out over KSRTC's loss of public commitment

Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, says public utility cutting losses at ordinary commuter's expense

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition walked out of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Monday, accusing the government of forcing the financially ailing Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) into a death spiral with scarce concern for common folk entirely dependent on the public utility for travel.

Leader of the Opposition, V. D. Satheesan, said the KSRTC's service cuts to save on operational costs mostly punished poor people.

Also read: Release funds to pay KSRTC employees, HC tells govt.

Mr. Satheesan narrated the plight of a housemaid raising three girls by herself. She earned less than Rs 400 a day, working as part-time help in two far-flung apartments.

"The woman discovered that KSRTC had suddenly stopped the bus service, which she had relied on for years to get to work. Now the commute to work on an autorickshaw costs her Rs 180. Tell me how she can put food on the family table? "he said.

The State has failed to provide affordable transport to low-income families who could not afford personal vehicles, an autorickshaw, or a taxi commute.

He said the KSRTC had calibrated its services to ridership and revenue. Its calculus was to wring profits and not serve the common folk. An affordable and egalitarian transport system was the casualty.