Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the state’s free bus travel scheme for women at the Thampanoor Central Bus Terminal. The event was attended by senior ministers, top officials, and transport department leadership. The scheme covers KSRTC Ordinary category buses, totaling about 3,125 out of the corporation’s fleet of over 5,700 vehicles.
The inaugural service ran from Thampanoor to the State Secretariat, spanning a distance of under three kilometers. Women passengers on eligible services will receive zero-fare tickets from conductors starting at 9 a.m. The initiative was described as more than a routine public transport reform by Chief Secretary Jayathilak, emphasizing the unique travel experience it offers to women passengers.
The launch event featured veteran KSRTC driver V.P. Sheela, the first woman driver of the corporation 13 years ago, driving the inaugural bus. Sheela was specially invited to steer the ceremonial ride from Perumbavoor. The scheme, aimed at empowering women economically, was well-received by women passengers on board, who highlighted potential monthly savings that would support household needs significantly.
Transport Minister C.P. John hailed the initiative as a historic milestone for Kerala’s transport sector, tracing the evolution of public transport from 1938 to the present-day KSRTC system. Chief Minister Satheesan emphasized the economic benefits of the scheme, stating that savings from free travel would boost household and community spending. The event saw the government’s commitment to balancing private bus operators’ interests with strengthening public transport.
