Thiruvananthapuram: In an urgent effort to maintain regular interstate services, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has opted to lease private super-class buses. In this initial phase, KSRTC has invited owners of super luxury-class buses that are less than four years old to participate in a bidding process for operating services on 23 designated routes. As per the terms outlined by KSRTC, these buses will operate on these routes at fares determined by the public transportation authority.
Under the current regulations, buses registered in other states are required to pay a tax of Rs 2,500 per seat when conducting services in Kerala. However, when these buses are leased by KSRTC, they will be exempted from this tax. Nevertheless, bus owners will be obligated to share a specific portion of their profits with KSRTC.