Free bus travel scheme records 22% increase in women passengers across Bengal

Women’s ridership on state-run buses in West Bengal increased by around 22 per cent on June 1, the first day of the government’s free bus travel scheme for women. According to transport department data, the number of women passengers rose from around four lakh across the state on May 25 to nearly 4.88 lakh on the day the scheme was launched. In Kolkata alone, the figure increased from around two lakh to 2,44,121 passengers.

Officials said the increase in passenger numbers reflected significant utilisation of the scheme immediately after its rollout. The initiative, which came into effect on June 1, allows women to travel free of cost on all state-run buses for both short-distance and long-distance journeys across West Bengal.

After Kolkata, the highest number of women beneficiaries on the first day of the scheme was recorded in Murshidabad, Malda, Purulia and Bankura districts. Transport department officials said passenger numbers could increase further in the coming weeks as awareness about the programme expands across different parts of the state.

The transport department is preparing measures to accommodate a possible rise in ridership. Officials said plans are being drawn up to increase the number of buses on key routes. The government is also considering earmarking additional seats for women and senior citizens on state-run buses as part of efforts to manage growing passenger demand.