Thiruvananthapuram: In a major step towards accessible and compassionate healthcare support, Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar announced in the State Assembly on Thursday that cancer patients will now be allowed to travel free on all KSRTC buses, including superfast services, across the state.
This facility is intended for patients travelling to hospitals for cancer treatment, and the free travel will be available on all KSRTC buses, from ordinary services to superfast buses, the minister informed the assembly.

The Minister also stated in the assembly that KSRTC’s daily revenue is steadily increasing. Compared to last year, there has been an increase of 2.2 million passengers, which has helped the department earn an additional ₹260 million. He claimed that KSRTC’s income is consistently rising every day.

Recently, KSRTC recorded its highest-ever daily revenue of ₹101.9 million. The Minister added that the second-highest daily revenue of ₹94.1 million was achieved the Monday before last. KSRTC has been reducing losses by purchasing new buses and managing idle buses that were previously running without passengers. The transport minister also noted that KSRTC earned over ₹150 million in additional revenue during August.

The introduction of an online payment system on KSRTC buses has contributed to the increase in passengers. The Minister claimed that efforts to ensure safe travel for women and children have also attracted more passengers.

KSRTC’s revenue per kilometre increased from ₹45.79 to ₹49.81, and the average income per bus rose from ₹15,600 to ₹16,768, the Minister added.