The West Bengal government's decision to provide free travel for women on state-run buses has received support from women's rights organisation Stree Shakti, which believes the initiative could ease financial pressure on families while creating new opportunities for women in education, employment and healthcare.
The scheme was rolled out across the state on June 1, and government buses witnessed a significant rise in women passengers from the very first day, reflecting strong public interest in the initiative.
Stree Shakti sees wider social and economic benefits
Speaking at a programme in Kolkata on Monday, representatives of Stree Shakti welcomed the government's decision and said the scheme could contribute to greater financial independence for women.
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According to the organisation, West Bengal has become the eighth state in India to introduce free bus travel for women. The group believes easier and more affordable mobility can encourage women to participate more actively in various sectors, especially in fields like education, healthcare and employment.
The organisation also expressed hope that reducing travel expenses would remove a practical barrier that often limits access to opportunities, particularly for women from lower-income households.
A female passenger shows her digital ticket after the statewide free bus travel scheme for women comes into effect, in Kolkata. /ANI
Lower travel costs can strengthen household finances
Speaking to News Ei Samay, entrepreneur, businesswoman and social worker Smita Bajoria said the scheme could encourage more women to travel for work, resulting in higher workforce participation and greater economic independence.
Referring to data from the Global Labour Organisation, Bajoria said, “Women engaged in small jobs or running small businesses will be able to save their daily commuting expenses.”
Transportation costs often consume a considerable share of monthly earnings, especially for women working in low-income jobs or operating small businesses. By removing this recurring expense, the scheme can help women retain a larger portion of their income.
According to Bajoria, the money saved on daily travel can contribute to household savings and be redirected towards essential expenses such as nutrition, education and healthcare.
In her view, the impact could be particularly significant for economically weaker families, where even modest savings can improve financial stability and resilience over time.
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How free bus travel could benefit MSMEs and women workers
For women employed in MSMEs, textile units, food processing industries, retail businesses and light manufacturing sectors, commuting costs often influence decisions about whether to take up or continue employment. Easier access to affordable transport can encourage more women to enter the workforce and remain employed for longer periods.
"From an MSME and industrial workforce perspective, improved mobility can help businesses access a larger talent pool, improve employee retention and support productivity growth," she added.
Women passengers display free tickets on launch day of West Bengal’s free bus ride scheme in Kolkata /ANI
“Women living in peripheral and semi-urban regions, where manufacturing clusters and small enterprises are often located, may particularly benefit from reduced commuting expenses and better access to workplaces.”
She emphasised that when more women participate in economic activity, the benefits extend beyond individual workers. Increased workforce participation can support household consumption, strengthen local economies and contribute to broader economic growth.
Scope for expansion in public transport
Bajoria suggested the scheme could also shape the future expansion of public transport infrastructure. As demand for government bus services grows, she expects the public transport network to expand gradually to accommodate rising passenger numbers.
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She also suggested that future developments could include buses dedicated to women passengers or services operated by women drivers and conductors. Drawing on examples from other states, Bajoria noted that similar initiatives have already delivered encouraging outcomes.
Stree Shakti calls for wider adoption
At Monday's programme, Stree Shakti founder Rekha Modi welcomed the initiative and urged other states to consider introducing similar measures.
“Free bus travel reduces the financial burden on women. We welcome this decision and hope that similar facilities will be introduced in other states as well,” she said.
Statewide free bus travel scheme for women comes into effect in Kolkata /ANI
Mobility and safety remain closely linked
Beyond the economic advantages, affordable and reliable public transport can also play an important role in improving women's safety.
Regular bus services operating on fixed routes and carrying high passenger volumes often provide a safer and more dependable travel option than isolated or informal modes of transport.
For many women, the decision to pursue education or employment is influenced not only by earning opportunities but also by concerns about personal safety during daily commutes. Greater access to organised public transport can help address some of these concerns by offering a more secure travel environment.
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Optimism over women's safety and future growth
Bajoria voiced optimism about the pace of work under the new state government, particularly on issues related to women's safety.
Referring to assurances given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she maintained that improvements in women's safety could also contribute positively to the state's economy.
“I am very optimistic. Within days of forming the government, work has begun on the promises made by the BJP. The initiatives that could be implemented quickly have already been launched,” Bajoria said.
She also expressed confidence that West Bengal could attract more industries and investment in the coming years, creating new employment opportunities and supporting the state's economic growth.
