Long wait time, safety concerns, lack of amenities, travails of free bus travel

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: The Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel to women in Bengaluru, has been met with a positive response from many women. However, there are also some drawbacks to the scheme, which have been highlighted by several travellers.

One of the biggest complaints about the scheme is the lack of frequency of buses. Many women have reported that they have to wait for long periods of time for a bus to arrive, which can be inconvenient and even dangerous.

Additionally, some buses are late, which can also cause problems for women who are trying to get to work or school on time. Yamuna, a garment worker and regular bus commuter who has saved up to Rs 2000 per month through the Shakti scheme, expressed her frustration with the late arrival of buses and the lack of seating at bus stops. She said, "We work hard all day, and it's exhausting to stand for long periods of time. The buses are also extremely crowded, especially during peak hours, and sometimes there are no buses at all."

Another issue with the scheme is the safety of bus travel. While the government has said that buses are safe for women, several travellers have reported that they feel unsafe on buses, especially at night. One of the primary concerns raised by commuters is the lack of proper lighting at bus stops. As the sun sets and darkness engulfs the city, waiting for a bus becomes an unnerving experience for many.

Dimly lit or completely unlit stops create an environment ripe for accidents, criminal activities, and even health hazards. Passengers are left squinting into the abyss, eagerly awaiting the sight of an approaching bus, while the authorities seem to overlook this fundamental aspect of safety.

Yamuna also expressed her concern about the lack of safety for women who use the Shakti Scheme. She said, "I often have to walk home from the bus stop after work, and it gets dark very quickly. There are no lights at the bus stops, and the police station is not closed. I feel very unsafe walking home alone every day." Dhruv N K, a college student and regular bus commuter, pointed out the irony of travelling by bus.

He said, "Travelling by bus is probably the safest option, compared to cabs, but the process of travelling by bus is very unsafe." He explained that while everyone feels safe inside the bus, the journey to and from the bus stop can be dangerous. He added that waiting at bus stops can be tedious and unsafe, especially for women.

Adding to the discomfort is the absence of shaded waiting areas. There is no shade for commuters while they are waiting for the buses. With the start of the monsoon season, several commuters fear getting caught in the rain without shade. Moreover, the lack of seating options exacerbates the discomfort faced by commuters.

Overall, the Shakti Scheme is a positive initiative, but it has some drawbacks that need to be addressed. The government should increase the frequency of buses, make sure that buses are on time, and improve the safety of bus travel for women.