free bus travel: Good news for women bus passengers. Free bus service will start from June 15. Yes you’ve heard it right. The Kerala government’s ambitious scheme of free travel for women on KSRTC buses will be implemented from June 15. However, in the initial phase, this facility will be available only on ordinary bus services. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Transport Minister C.P. John.
The financial situation and operational challenges of KSRTC were cited as the reasons behind the decision. Transport Minister C.P. John stated that Chief Minister Satheesan will provide full details of the scheme. The proposal will first be discussed in the cabinet, after which a final announcement will be made. The UDF government included this scheme in the “Indira Guarantee” program as part of its election promises. It will be implemented on a trial basis for the first 100 days.
During this period, a detailed study will be conducted on passenger numbers, revenue losses, and operational impact. A decision will then be made on expanding this facility to other fast passenger and long-distance bus services. The Transport Commissioner has been directed to submit a report analyzing the financial impact during the trial period. The government will decide on the second phase based on this report.
According to the KSRTC, approximately 2.3 million passengers use its services daily, of which approximately 10 to 12 million are women. Providing free travel to such a large number of women is likely to impose a significant financial burden on the corporation. The government has assured that this loss will be fully compensated. According to KSRTC estimates, providing free travel on ordinary buses alone will result in an additional burden of approximately Rs 57 crore over three months. If City Fast services are also included, this amount could increase to Rs 65 crore.
Expanding the scheme to ordinary, fast passenger, and superfast buses could increase the burden to Rs 90 crore. Implementing free travel on all bus classes is estimated to cost approximately Rs 112 crore over three months.
The government already provides financial assistance to KSRTC for salaries and pensions. Options are now being considered to raise additional funds through the Kerala Financial Corporation.
The Finance Secretary has been tasked with devising a system under which the scheme’s costs can be borne initially and subsequently reimbursed by the government. The government has clarified that this scheme will be open to all women. There will be no eligibility criteria based on caste, income, or any other basis. The issuance of Aadhaar-linked smart cards is also being considered to prevent misuse of the scheme.
