'Got laddus and bouquets, but no free ride'; Women complain of being charged for KSRTC tickets

THRISSUR: Complaints have started emerging from various places on the first day of the Priyadarshini scheme, which provides free travel for women in KSRTC buses under the V.D. Satheesan government. Some women passengers have alleged that they were charged ticket fares despite the launch of the free travel scheme. The incident was reported on an ordinary KSRTC bus travelling from Thrissur to Chalakudy.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala inaugurated the Priyadarshini scheme in Thrissur at 9 am. Soon after the launch, passengers from Koratty who boarded the bus at 9.35 am alleged that they were asked to pay for tickets. When they enquired about the free travel facility, KSRTC staff reportedly informed them that the system had not yet been updated.

“We had been waiting at the bus stand from 8.30 am for the free travel service to begin. When we boarded the bus, we were welcomed with bouquets and laddus. However, charging us for tickets cannot be accepted. When we raised the complaint, the elected representatives and political workers inside the bus were busy taking photos and videos,” the students said.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the Priyadarshini scheme on Wednesday morning. Under the scheme, women and transgender persons can travel free of cost in KSRTC ordinary buses. Around 3,125 buses will display the 'Priyadarshini Free Travel' sticker.

Women passengers will be issued special tickets to track the number of beneficiaries and calculate the subsidy amount that the government needs to provide to KSRTC. The free travel facility will be available on ordinary, city ordinary, limited-stop ordinary, town-to-town, fare stage ordinary, point-to-point ordinary, and Gramavandi buses.