Free travel for women in KSRTC buses: Report on possible revenue loss submitted to govt

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A report on the possible revenue loss from allowing free travel for women in KSRTC buses has been submitted to the government. The figures for three months were handed over to the Transport Secretary. The government is considering providing free travel to all women without any income limit.

KSRTC currently has a total of 5,280 buses, of which 3,200 are ordinary services. Out of the 4,700 buses operated daily, fewer than 2,700 are ordinary buses. A decision has not yet been made on whether free travel will also apply to City Fast buses.

More than 50 percent of passengers on ordinary buses are women. According to the report, if free travel is allowed only on ordinary buses, KSRTC could face a monthly revenue loss of Rs 57 crore. If the scheme is extended to both ordinary and City Fast buses, the loss could rise to Rs 65 crore. If ordinary, fast, and superfast buses are included, the estimated loss would be around Rs 90 crore per month. The report says that allowing free travel on all buses would result in a monthly loss of about Rs 112 crore.

KSRTC management estimates that women passengers could make up 60 percent of total passengers once the scheme is implemented. The management is hopeful that the government will provide a financial support package to cover the losses. Transport Minister C.P. John has called a meeting of officials to discuss the proposed free travel scheme. The final decision will be taken after considering the financial burden involved.