Kerala Launches Free Bus Travel for Women and Transgender Persons Nationwide
The Kerala government has officially launched the Priyadarshini scheme, offering free bus travel to women and transgender persons on all KSRTC ordinary services. The initiative aims to provide financial relief and support mobility, with the state government committing to cover the revenue shortfall.
Highlights
- •The Kerala government launched free bus travel for women and transgender individuals under the Priyadarshini scheme.
- •The initiative covers all ordinary KSRTC buses across the state with no restrictions on age or income.
- •Conductors are required to issue Zero Fare Tickets, and special squads will monitor for any collection of illegal fares.
- •The government plans to fully compensate the KSRTC for the projected annual revenue loss of approximately Rs 800 crore.
The state government in Kerala has officially launched its highly anticipated free bus travel for women and transgender persons scheme. Introduced as part of the Priyadarshini scheme, this initiative fulfills a key electoral promise made by the Congress-led UDF administration. The program was inaugurated on Monday at the KSRTC complex in Thiruvananthapuram by Chief Minister VD Satheesan.
This policy, which was implemented in less than a month of the government taking charge, is positioned as a significant measure of social respect and empowerment. By removing fare costs, the administration aims to facilitate easier mobility for thousands of daily commuters. During the launch event, officials noted that the Priyadarshini scheme is designed to offer unrestricted travel on ordinary KSRTC buses across the state, regardless of age, income, or other personal conditions.
Operational Details of the Free Travel Scheme
To ensure smooth operations, the government has mandated that conductors must issue a Zero Fare Ticket to all eligible passengers for every journey. These tickets will record essential boarding and destination data. To help commuters easily identify participating vehicles, buses offering the service will be clearly marked with Priyadarshini Scheme stickers on both sides and at the front. Furthermore, the authorities have organized special inspection squads to prevent any potential misuse or violations, such as unauthorized fare collection.
The initiative highlights a focus on inclusivity, as seen during the inaugural ride where V. P. Sheela, the first woman driver appointed via the PSC in KSRTC, was behind the wheel, accompanied by conductor Jayakumari. The program has garnered positive feedback from working women who anticipate substantial monthly savings, with some reporting projected savings of over Rs 2,500. While the scheme has faced criticism from the opposition LDF and BJP, the government has committed to fully compensating the KSRTC for the estimated annual revenue loss of Rs 800 crore.
The financial impact of the free bus travel for women and transgender persons is significant, with an expected monthly revenue shortfall of Rs 70 crore. Chief Minister VD Satheesan addressed concerns regarding the cost, emphasizing the socio-economic benefits that arise when financial savings remain within the household. He noted that the government will continue to provide existing monthly assistance—totaling approximately Rs 125 crore—to KSRTC, with additional compensation earmarked specifically for this new transport initiative. As the program rolls out across 14 districts, the administration aims to monitor its success and address demands for expanded service frequency, particularly in regions with high commuter demand like Malappuram.
