Wayanad for quick chai? Free bus scheme triggering massive girls' trip craze!

MALAPPURAM: Forget expensive weekend getaways and meticulously planned staycations. The women of Malappuram have officially cracked the code for the ultimate, budget-friendly day out, and all it took was a state initiative and a KSRTC bus route.

Ever since the government rolled out the 'Priyadarshini' scheme on June 15—offering free rides for women on ordinary KSRTC buses—local transport has transformed into a rolling party. Just over a week into the launch, bus depots are practically bursting at the seams. Malappuram alone has clocked a staggering 30% spike in daily passengers, with neighbouring depots reporting a similar rush.

However, these aren't just regular commuters heading to work or running mundane errands. Groups of women across the district have decided that a free ride is far too good to waste on routine chores, effectively turning ordinary state buses into spontaneous holiday charters.

KSRTC conductors and drivers are witnessing the vibe shift firsthand, sharing hilarious and heartwarming stories from the road.

In one brilliant instance, a lively group of women hopped onto a bus heading out of Malappuram. When the conductor asked for their destination, they casually asked, "So, how far does this bus actually go?" Learning that the final stop was all the way in Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad, they didn't hesitate for a second: "Perfect, book us till the end!"

When curious staff struck up a chat with the passengers, they stumbled upon the reigning motto of this sudden travel boom. The ultimate goal for these impromptu travel squads?

"Just head up to Wayanad, enjoy a hot cup of tea in the hills, and catch the next bus back home."

With local depots buzzing and smiles all around, this tea-and-travel trend is showing no signs of slowing down. Who knew a KSRTC ordinary bus would become the hottest lifestyle trend of the season?