Kochi | The Kerala motor vehicles department has imposed a fine on a private bus operator, officials said on Friday.

The bus had drawn attention after its owner announced free travel for men in response to the state's free bus travel scheme for women in KSRTC buses.

The fine was imposed on the operator of the "Little Flower" bus, which operates on the Aluva-Manjaly route, for allegedly cancelling a scheduled trip in violation of its permit conditions.

The bus had gone viral after its owner announced free travel for male passengers in response to the state government's Priyadarshini scheme, under which women are allowed to travel free in ordinary Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses.

According to motor vehicles department officials, regular passengers complained that the bus had cancelled its afternoon service.

An inquiry by the department found that the bus had failed to operate its scheduled trip between 2 pm and 3 pm.

Officials said cancelling a scheduled service amounted to a violation of the permit conditions, following which a fine of Rs 7,500 was imposed on the operator.

The bus owner reportedly told officials that the afternoon trip was cancelled due to poor passenger patronage and to avoid financial losses, despite the free-travel offer for men.

Private bus operators have raised objections to the Priyadarshini scheme, citing financial losses they suffer as more women passengers now prefer KSRTC buses.