Around 40 per cent of the 1,500-odd private buses in Ernakulam district resumed service by Tuesday noon after private bus operators called off their five-day strike earlier in the day, bringing some relief to harried commuters. “We hope to resume normal bus services by Wednesday,” said K B Suneer, general secretary of the Ernakulam District Private Bus Operators’ Association. The strike days saw numerous commuters opt for the metro, considering the advantages of more comfortable and faster travel. Others took out their cars or commuted by two wheeler. Ferries to West Kochi, Vypeen and Kakkanad ran packed to capacity.
The agitation turned out to be a loss for both commuters and bus operators. Commuters were put to much misery, especially women. It is also examination time for students.
The State government refused to yield to any of the demands raised by the busmen, opined Padmanabha Mallya, secretary of the West Kochi Passengers’ Association.
