Traveling in tourist vehicles is set to become more expensive in Kerala as the Contract Carriage Operators Association (CCOA) announced a fare hike, effective June 1.
Reasons Behind the Fare Revision
Riyas A J, vice-president of CCOA (Kerala), stated, "The revision is necessitated by an unprecedented surge in operational expenses. Transport operators have been facing a severe crisis due to steadily escalating fuel prices, skyrocketing costs of spare parts, and recent hikes in government permit fees and vehicle taxes."
For many owners, running services under the old tariff had become unsustainable. "The prices of oil, grease, and spare parts have also increased. The average expense of a tourist bus operator has gone up by 20%. We were left with no other option but to revise the tariff to ensure the survival of our members and to keep our vehicles on the road," Riyas added.
New Tariff Structure
The new tariff structure introduces a uniform baseline for rentals. Revised rates will be calculated based on a minimum distance of 80 kilometers and an 8-hour time frame. While the exact breakdown varies according to vehicle types—ranging from premium multi-axle buses to luxury mini-coaches and vans—passengers can expect a noticeable increase in standard daily rental packages.
Acknowledging that the fare hike might impact travelers and tour planners, CCOA appealed to the public and stakeholders within the tourism sector for their cooperation.
Industry Impact
Industry experts note that while the hike protects the livelihood of operators, it may trigger a marginal rise in overall domestic tour package costs in the upcoming season.
