Kerala's Priyadarshini gives women and transgender free KSRTC travel
India
Kerala's new Priyadarshini scheme lets women and transgender folks ride ordinary KSRTC busses for free, a big move to make travel easier and cheaper.
But private bus operators aren't happy, saying they've lost a lot of passengers (and income) since the scheme started on Monday.
Kerala operators warn 75% may stop
Private Bus Operators Federation General Secretary Hamsa, who represents the private bus federation, says nearly 75% of private busses might stop running by June 30 if things don't change.
He feels the government left them out of the conversation and that small tax breaks just aren't enough: they want real financial help like KSRTC gets.
The chief minister has promised support. Operators are meeting this week to decide their next steps.