Kerala High Court Directs Authorities To Consider Suggestions, Devise Effective Timetable For Smooth Functioning Of Transport Buses

Justice Amit Rawal, while allowing the impleadment application, noted that the operators had raised significant concerns about the current bus timetable system, which allegedly forces buses to operate on unrealistically short schedules. The Court has previously urged the need to regulate bus timings in the State and directed the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to take necessary steps, and devise an effective schedule within three months.

"This Court thus direct the RTA to take into consideration all these factors i.e., the suggestion given by the city carriage permit holders as well as KSBL, suggestions of Amicus Curiae and the suggestions of the official bus operators for the purpose of coming out an effective time schedule for smooth running of transport buses in the city as early as possible but not later than three months from today," the court said.

The court was informed that the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) had already convened a meeting on September 10, 2025, to consider proposals for revising bus schedules, including mandating a five-minute gap within city limits and a ten-minute gap within panchayat limits. The meeting highlighted deep divisions among stakeholders, with suggestions ranging from minor timetable changes to a complete overhaul using AI-driven dynamic scheduling.

Advocate Nazrin Bhanu, representing Kleen Smart Bus Limited (KSBL), a Kochi Metro-linked entity, proposed adopting an AI-based real-time bus scheduling system to address traffic congestion and ensure smoother operations. The court directed the RTA to consider inputs from private operators, KSBL, the Amicus Curiae, and government bus services, and to finalise a workable timetable within three months.

The court also modified its earlier interim order concerning traffic regulation based on a report from the Assistant Commissioner of Police. The court directed that during peak hours, traffic signals along Banerji Road–Palarivattom and Pallimukku–Vyttila corridors should be manually operated by police personnel. The court observed that such a hybrid regulation was necessary to ease traffic during peak hours,

The matter has been referred to the Chief Justice for appropriate allocation.

Case Title: Aboobacker and Ors v Joint Regional Transport Officer

Case No: WP(C) 13238/ 2022

Click Here To Read/ Download Interim Order