Concession: Government to act tough

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Government has decided to act tough against private bus operators who show discrimination towards students travelling at concession rates. Interestingly, the decision has come at a time when the private bus operators have demanded that the government should introduce identical student concession schemes in private buses and the state-run KSRTC buses from this academic year. ‘’Private bus operators who show discrimination towards student travellers will have to face strict action,’’ said Transport Commissioner K S Balasubramanian.‘’Every year, the Department receives several complaints on issues related to students travelling on concession fares. Now, we have given a public notice to the operators against such acts. We will act tough against those violating the norms,’’ he said. The government inaction against erring operators had invited much criticism in the past. The complaints regarding the operators include not allowing students to enter buses,  allowing entry only after other passengers get seated and denying concession rate for minimum fare stage. Complaints about the crew making derogatory remarks in the presence of students are also common.  How to File ComplaintThe Transport Department has asked students to file complaints on their travel woes with the Motor Vehicles Department. Complaints can be submitted to the Transport Commissioner or Regional Transport Officers. The complaint should describe the problems they faced along with the name, number and route of the bus. Complaints can also be submitted through the heads of the educational institutions concerned.