Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, May 23: Deputy chief minister (DCM) Laxaman Savadi, who also happens to be in charge of transport portfolio, has issued a statement about private buses becoming operational in the state from Friday with a 15 percent hike in bus fare. Private bus operators in Dakshina Kannada district however, have decided to run the buses only after they get official communication from the government.

President of Canara Bus Operators Association, Rajavarma Ballal, said that the bus owners had demanded for 15 percent rise in ticket prices. He pointed out that it would not be sufficient if the transport minister gives his nod. "The state government has to issue official notification in this regard.

"The minister had announced about road tax concession for private buses, but notification relating to this announcement has not been issued yet. Therefore, we will operate the buses only after the notification comes out," he clarified.

Because of complete lockdown from 7 pm on Saturday to 7 am on Monday, no buses, either private or government, will run on Sunday.