Kochi: The token strike called by a section of the private bus operators failed to make any impact in central Kerala where a majority of the buses operated in districts like Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad.
However, buses stayed off the road in Kannur district and people in the hilly Idukki region too were put to difficulty. “Around 70 to 75 per cent of the buses conducted services except in Kannur district.
We stayed off the strike since there was inadequate time given to the government to meet the demands,” said Jose Kuzhupil, vice-chairman of the Private Bus Operators Co-ordination Committee.
The Bus Operators Confederation called the token strike demanding a hike in bus charges and has threatened to go on an indefinite strike from Dec. 20. However, transport minister Aryadan Muhammed ruled out any talks with the striking private bus owners.
