Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 4 (IANS) More than 30,000 private bus owners in Kerala will observe an indefinite strike from Tuesday, it was announced Monday.
The decision follows the breakdown of two round of talks between state Transport Minister Jose Thettayil and representatives of the private bus owners here.

“We gave them adequate time and they assured us that all our issues would be sorted out, but nothing has happened,” A.K. Abdullah, who leads the Coordination Committee of the Bus Owners, told reporters.

The private bus owners have been demanding an increase in the minimum fare from Rs.3.50 to Rs.5 and reduction in the concessional fare to students.

Ernakulam, Kottayam and virtually all the northern districts of the state, where private operators run the maximum services, are expected to be worst affected by the strike.

Besides, a section of the trade unions of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) employees belonging to the Congress-led opposition parties has decided to observe a token strike Tuesday, demanding better pay and facilities.