Private bus operators express concerns over free travel for women on KSRTC buses.

T. Gopinathan, the State General Secretary of the All Kerala Bus Operators Organisation, has criticized the United Democratic Fronts (UDF) recent proposal to allow free travel for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) services, describing it as a unilateral decision. He emphasized that women and students make up a significant portion of the passenger demographic utilizing private bus services. Gopinathan expressed concerns that if women are allowed free travel on KSRTC, private bus operators could find themselves predominantly servicing a student population, potentially impacting their financial viability.

In Kerala, private buses serve as a vital mode of transportation for daily commuters, including students and working women. This debate comes against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about fare structures and public transport accessibility in the state, reflecting broader issues of equity in transportation policy. The impact on private operators and the potential shift in passenger demographics emphasizes the need for a comprehensive dialogue among stakeholders in the transport sector.