The initiative promised in the BJP’s pre-election manifesto to offer free bus rides for women in West Bengal has started statewide. Women using this service must carry specific identity documents mandated by the state transport department to prove their West Bengal citizenship. Accepted documents include Aadhaar, EPIC card, driving license, and others listed by the department.
The free-ride benefit requires women to present one of the specified identity documents to bus conductors. Upon verification, they receive a “zero-value” ticket. This service is applicable on both short and long-distance buses, with conductors trained on the process of issuing these tickets to eligible women.
Initially, the system allows women to use the listed identity documents for free rides. However, a future plan involves issuing a smart card with a QR code to each woman after application submission to the BDO/SDO. Until then, the approved identity documents can be used to avail of the free-ride service.
