Sir, It is a matter of regret that the KSRTC, rather its staff, look down upon the student-pass holders nowadays, restricting their travel to few specified buses only, rather than allow to commute in its entire fleet. This looks an utter discrimination. Is it because students avail concessional rates? Well, it is not a favour, but a right extended to the learning community by the Corporation itself — deeming it a part of its CSR. Even in buses where students are allowed, I have observed most of the conductors twist their faces unwillingly as if they do a great obligation by allowing entry. Also, Jatra Special trips continue to run even 2 or 3 days after the event, obviously with a fare hike, which is not justified, as special trips are made to help the crowd have an easy to and fro movement, and at the same time the Corporation is assured of full occupancy beyond capacity. No need for a fare hike, as fare tariff here in Karnataka is already one-and-a-half time higher compared to our neighbouring States. Again Jatra Specials deny entry to student passes. It is high time the Transport Corporation realises its folly and train its staff to be more passenger-friendly, allow students to board any bus to reach their destinations, to avoid protests that happen frequently these days.
- N. Devarajan, Nanjangud, 25.10.2017
