The Kerala State government has announced a new scheme offering free bus rides for women in the state's ordinary class buses, starting June 15. The scheme, named Priyadarshini, will be implemented on a pilot basis and will cover short-distance, local routes within cities or between towns.
The monthly cost of the scheme is estimated to be between ₹65-70 crore, with an annual burden of ₹750-800 crore on the state government. The scheme aims to empower women socially and financially, and will be open to women and trans persons of all ages and financial backgrounds.
Transport Minister CP John stated that 3,411 out of 4,500 KSRTC buses belong to the ordinary class, and all services will now be free for women and transgender persons. However, there are concerns about regional disparities in KSRTC services across districts.
The association of private bus operators has called for an emergency meeting to discuss the fallout of the free ride scheme, claiming it would lead to women shifting to state-run buses and adversely affect the industry.
