The new BJP government in West Bengal has introduced free rides for women on state-run buses in Kolkata, a move that has been widely appreciated. However, many commuters are calling for urgent measures to address the chronic shortage of state buses, which continues to hamper public transport in the city.
Mixed Reactions from Commuters
Indira Sarkar, a government high school teacher from Thakurpukur, described the initiative as "undoubtedly a good initiative taken by the new government." Yet, she highlighted a pressing issue: "I use the state bus services on the 12D route from Howrah. But buses are very few, and I request the government to increase the fleet so that working women like me can make the most of this initiative."
Jayita Biswas, a teacher from Kankurgachhi who works at a Howrah school, echoed similar frustrations. "Waiting for government buses simply wastes our time, so we take private buses and autos. Women will feel the benefit once the new government improves the poor state bus services."
Social Media Buzz
The social media group Kolkata-bus-o-pedia, which has over 1.5 lakh members, has been flooded with comments from women congratulating the government. Aniket Banerjee, the group's general secretary, said: "We have received many requests asking if the same service can be introduced in private buses. But there is a concern among working women regarding the dip in government bus services after evening. We hope to work with the new transport minister, whenever appointed, on the feedback we have received."
Call for Odd-Even Scheme
The Joint Council of Bus Syndicate has urged the state government to heed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal and introduce odd-even schemes for private vehicles to encourage public transport. Tapan Banerjee stated: "This will save energy and shift women from cabs to public transport."
Commuter Perspectives
Lawyer Sayantani Banerjee, who commutes from Golf Green to Calcutta High Court, sees financial benefits: "I can cut down on my daily expense, cashing in on the new initiative that will charge no fare from women for availing state bus services. But the availability of adequate state buses till night must be ensured."
Students and IT workers also shared their views. Riya Das, an undergraduate at Jadavpur University, said: "Free buses mean I can save pocket money for books — huge for us girls from middle-class homes. But on my JU-Salt Lake route, buses vanish after 8 pm; we need more evening services or we'll stick to pricey apps."
Priya Roy, a techie working at Salt Lake's Sector V, added: "As an IT employee juggling 9-to-6 shifts, this slashes my Rs 200 daily fare. This is an amazing win for me. Still, fleets on 214/215 routes disappear during peak hours. If this keeps happening, we will have to keep choosing private cabs."
