On their day, BMTC takes places.... for free

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) offered free bus rides to women on the occasion of International Women’s Day and the initiative, as the BMTC expected, turned out to be a huge success. Netizens have lauded the corporation on the social media site Twitter, while also questioning why the initiative cannot be extended all year long.

“The conductor, driver and I agreed that free travel for women every day would be really good and easily doable. Women in TN, Delhi and Punjab avail this every day. When will all women of Karnataka be eligible for it? Let every day be women's day!” tweeted Shaheen Shasa, a member of the Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike (BBPV), along with a picture of her with a woman conductor.

“A young woman got down from one of our buses, went up to the driver and asked if she could pay through PhonePe. She was pleasantly surprised when the conductor and driver told her the travel was free today and wished her a happy women's day. The conductor and driver also opined that only more buses can kill congestion!” she added.

“Seeing buses full of women, making the most of the free travel offer this morning. How lovely,” wrote another user. “Thank you @ BMTC_BENGALURU for making this International Women's Day accessible to women! #BMTCFreeForWomenToday. Hope the government enables you to #ReduceFares and #IncreaseBusAccess round the year for all citizens!” tweeted another.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced a free bus pass facility for 30 lakh working women in the organised sector during the state budget, allocating Rs 1,000 crore for it. However, experts in the field of mobility are concerned if the scheme will materialise as the process requires hefty checks and balances.

That women belonging to the unorganised sector have not been included in the scheme has also angered a majority of the population. States like Punjab and Tamil Nadu have introduced travel schemes for women using public transport. A study by the Tamil Nadu Planning Board has revealed that women, after the introduction of the scheme, were able to save between Rs 756 and Rs 1,012 in a month.

This will help women among many spheres – reducing dependability on family members for mobility requirements, increase their participation in the economy, help them earn a higher disposable income, and create more room for opportunities of learning and networking, it is generally accepted.