"Zero-value tickets, no political comments": Transport dept issues guidelines for free bus travel for women

The West Bengal Transport Department has formalized a major policy shift by issuing comprehensive guidelines for the free government bus travel scheme for women, set to commence on June 1. Under this initiative, the state will provide digital smart cards featuring the name and photograph of each beneficiary to facilitate seamless travel. To bridge the gap until these smart cards are distributed, conductors have been instructed to issue "zero-value tickets" via Electronic Ticket Machines (ETM) upon the presentation of any valid government identification.

A primary focus of the new guidelines is the behavioral conduct of bus staff toward female commuters. The department has explicitly warned drivers and conductors against showing any reluctance to stop for or pick up women passengers. Recognizing the potential for staff to avoid non-paying passengers, the state has mandated that adequate time must be provided for women to board and deboard at all designated stops. Any attempt to bypass women waiting at stops will be treated as a serious disciplinary violation.

The scope of this free service is extensive, covering all government-run buses including AC and non-AC fleets under the WBTC, NBSTC, and SBSTC. This benefit is not restricted to city commutes but extends to long-distance travel across the state. Furthermore, the guidelines strictly prohibit on-duty staff from making any political comments regarding the scheme, ensuring that the service remains a neutral public utility for all women in West Bengal.