CPM red flags Ganesh Kumar’s proposed changes in e-bus services in capital city

Thiruvananthapuram: CPM has apparently blocked the move of the transport department to increase the fares in electric bus in the capital city. The party has also opposed the department’s decision to refrain from purchasing more electric buses.  

New transport minister KB Ganesh Kumar had opined that the electric bus services weren’t transforming into profitable ventures since the buses were too expensive. The minister’s call for raising the bus fares had created huge uproar; it was heavily criticised by the public. Meanwhile, environmental activists vehemently opposed the move to bring back diesel buses on the Thiruvananthapuram roads.

MLA VK Prashanth was one of the first persons to speak against Ganesh Kumar. In a Facebook post, the CPM leader stated that the representatives of the Left government are firm on their decision to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a solar city. He noted that introducing electric buses was one of the first steps towards achieving this goal. VK Prashanth also said that “it was the duty of the KSRTC to make electric bus services profitable ventures.”

Meanwhile, CPM state secretary MV Govindan had said that useful services being provided to the public will not be scrapped. “We will take a diplomatic decision. With KSRTC, there will always be gains and losses. Now those shall not affect the current services,” said MV Govindan.