Thiruvananthapuram, June 15: Kerala’s Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the state’s free bus travel scheme for women on Monday. This initiative is a significant promise from the Congress-led UDF manifesto.
The launch event at Thampanoor Central Bus Terminal attracted a large crowd, including senior ministers, high-ranking officials, and leaders from the transport department.
The inaugural service ran from Thampanoor to the State Secretariat, covering a distance of less than three kilometers. This marked a symbolic beginning for the scheme.
Transport Minister C.P. John, Minister for Backward Classes K.A. Tulsi, Chief Secretary A.J. Jayathilak, and other senior officials attended the ceremony and participated in the first journey.
The scheme will apply to the KSRTC’s ‘Ordinary’ category buses, which includes approximately 3,125 out of over 5,700 buses operating statewide.
Starting at 9 AM, eligible female passengers will receive zero-fare tickets (free tickets) from conductors.
Chief Secretary Jayathilak emphasized that this initiative goes beyond mere public transport reform. He noted that while the buses may be ‘ordinary,’ the travel experience should not be. He encouraged female passengers to take their zero tickets and travel without hesitation.
A highlight of the inauguration was KSRTC’s veteran driver V.P. Sheila, who drove the first bus, making the event historic. Sheila, who became the corporation’s first female driver 13 years ago, was called from Perumbavoor for this special journey.
A female conductor was also present on the service. Expressing her joy, Sheila stated that she felt proud to be part of this historic trip.
Women passengers welcomed the initiative, with many reporting potential monthly savings of 2,500 to 3,500 rupees, significantly aiding household expenses.
Officials confirmed that the scheme will also benefit the transgender community.
However, the political atmosphere was tense during the launch, as the CPI(M)-led LDF and BJP-led NDA boycotted the event.
Opposition leaders argued that the scheme does not fulfill previous promises, claiming that the free travel benefit is limited to ‘Ordinary’ buses rather than all KSRTC services.
During the event, Minister C.P. John described the initiative as a historic milestone for Kerala’s transport sector. He referenced the evolution of public transport from its inception under the Travancore administration in 1938 to the current KSRTC system.
Chief Minister Satheesan, before boarding the inaugural bus, called the scheme an investment in women’s economic empowerment. He stated that the savings from free travel would return to the economy, aiding family and community expenses.
He also emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening public transport while considering the interests of private bus operators.
Recently appointed Transport Secretary T.V. Anupama signed the first order to implement this scheme.
The ceremony concluded with Chief Minister Satheesan handing out the first free tickets to female passengers before boarding the bus with a group of ministers for a short journey to the Secretariat.
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