TN studies expansion of free bus travel scheme; 28 lakh more women may benefit
Chennai, July 6
The Tamil Nadu government is examining the possibility of expanding its free bus travel scheme for women to cover a wider range of state-run bus services, a move that could benefit an additional 28 lakh women commuters every day if implemented.
Transport department officials said the proposal is being studied on the lines of Karnataka's Shakti Scheme, which provides free travel for women in nearly 26,000 government buses while excluding air-conditioned, luxury, premium and non-AC sleeper services.
According to officials, if a similar model is introduced in Tamil Nadu, the number of buses offering free travel for women would more than double from the present 7,300 ordinary buses to around 15,400 buses. The expanded network would include nearly 7,600 mofussil buses operated by the six divisions of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and around 500 semi-sleeper buses run by the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC).
At present, nearly 70 lakh women use the free travel scheme every day in ordinary buses. Officials estimate that around 40 per cent of these commuters are also likely to use mofussil and non-AC SETC services if they are brought under the scheme. This could increase the total number of beneficiaries availing free travel and other fare concessions in government buses from the present 1.31 crore to around 1.59 crore commuters a day.
Officials clarified that no decision has yet been taken on whether city deluxe or other categories of buses will be included. The transport department has begun analysing reservation data from TNSTC and SETC services to estimate the average fare paid by women passengers and assess the financial implications of the proposed expansion.
While extending the scheme to long-distance services is expected to reduce travel expenses for women travelling for work, education, healthcare, family visits and pilgrimages, officials said the proposal remains at a preliminary stage.
They noted that demand patterns differ significantly between ordinary buses, which often carry repeat commuters making multiple trips a day, and long-distance services where passengers usually make only one or two trips.
Tamil Nadu's eight state transport corporations operate a fleet of about 21,500 buses, with around 19,100 currently in service, carrying over 2.05 crore passengers daily. The state spends about Rs 5,380 crore annually on fare concessions, including Rs 3,600 crore for the women's free travel scheme and Rs 1,780 crore for student concessions.
A Tamil Nadu Planning Commission study found that the existing scheme helps women save an average of Rs 830 every month.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the intention to help women, I wonder about the financial burden on the state. ₹5,380 crore already spent on fare concessions - adding another 28 lakh beneficiaries will only increase this. We need better infrastructure and more buses rather than just free travel. The ordinary buses are already overcrowded during peak hours. Quality matters too.
Interesting comparison with Karnataka's Shakti Scheme. But we need to look at the ground reality - many women in rural areas depend on mofussil buses for medical emergencies and family visits. If this is implemented thoughtfully, it could truly empower women across TN. Good step by the government 👏
My mother travels from Madurai to Chennai every month for her medical checkups. The bus fare is around ₹500 one way. Free travel would be a huge relief for her. But I hope the government also ensures that women are not harassed on these buses. Safety is equally important as free travel. #SafetyFirst
It's good to see the government studying this. But I hope they don't stop at just buses - why not extend this to metro and suburban trains? Many women in Chennai use multiple modes of transport. Also, the ₹830 average saving is great but we need more women-friendly policies overall. Still, a positive step! 🌟
This is a typical vote-buying scheme before elections. ₹5,380 crore already spent and now they want to add more? Instead, why not improve the bus frequency and punctuality? Many rural areas still have limited bus services. Free travel
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