Free ride for women: A challenging balancing act awaits State, KSRTC

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Amid the poor financial health of both the State government and the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), the decision to implement a free travel scheme for women on KSRTC buses -- initially limited to ordinary services -- has evoked mixed responses from different sections of society in Kerala. Women, in general, have welcomed the decision, as it would enable them to save transportation expenses of around ₹1,000 per month.

Welcoming the move, Githa Hari, an employee of a private firm in Thiruvananthapuram, said, “Although the first phase covers only ordinary buses, we are hopeful that the scheme will be extended in phases to city fast, fast, and superfast services. Personally, the scheme would help me save around ₹900 per month, which I can use for other family needs, said Ms. Hari”

Experiences from neighbouring States indicate that the free travel scheme could increase the frequency of women’s travel in public spaces across Kerala. Noted economist Prof. K.P. Kannan said that women from poorer sections, the working class, and self-employed groups would benefit the most, as the affluent generally rely on alternative modes of transport. “This could boost economic activity, as the money saved on travel expenses would likely be spent elsewhere in the economy. Increased mobility would also lead to a greater presence of women in public spaces, and this would increase economic activity,” he said. However, a major question remains is that how can such a scheme be implemented without placing an additional burden on the cash-strapped exchequer, he said.

The previous government had left behind substantial loan liabilities. Therefore, the priority of the new government should be the rationalisation of public expenditure and the strengthening of tax collection measures. These steps, he said, would help the State overcome the financial crisis to some extent.

An estimate prepared by KSRTC reveals that the Corporation would incur a revenue loss of around ₹112 crore if the scheme w