Soon after the Kerala government implemented free travel for women in KSRTC buses from Monday, a private bus owner from Kochi announced that he would offer one-day free travel for men as a token of protest. Read on to know more about it.
Kerala Man Announces Free Travel For Men
As per a report by The New Indian Express, the owner of private bus Little Flower from Kochi, B. O. Davis, plying on the Aluva-Manjali route, stated that he will offer free travel for men in the bus for seven trips from 6.30 am to 8 pm on Monday. In addition, women tourists who skip KSRTC buses and board his bus will be welcomed with sweets.
He said the Priyadarshini scheme announced by the state government will destroy the public transport system and will land operators in financial distress. The majority of their passengers are women, and with the launch of free travel, women passengers will shift to KSRTC buses, and private bus service will become impossible to sustain.
Davis also told the portal that he has been operating the Aluva-Manjali service for the past 25 years, overcoming tough competition from KSRTC buses.
Davis also questioned how private operators might be able to sustain their services when students continue to travel at a concessional fare of just ₹1 while diesel prices have climbed by ₹8 per litre. He stated that his decision to offer free travel for men was a symbolic act of protest intended to emphasise the challenges faced by private bus operators and remind the government of the impact the scheme could have on their lives.
KSRTC Rolled Out Free Bus Travel For Women
Earlier, the Kerala government announced the launch of the Kerala free bus travel for women scheme. The scheme will be launched on June 15, 2026, through KSRTC under the ‘Indira Guarantee’ scheme. Under phase 1, women who are eligible can travel free on designated KSRTC ordinary buses across the state. According to government figures, regular travellers may save up to ₹800–₹1,000 per month, making it one of Kerala’s most significant welfare measures in recent years.
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For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.FAQs
Is bus free for ladies in Kerala?
Yes, bus travel is free for women and transgender persons in Kerala, but it currently applies only to ordinary KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) buses.
What is the bus charge in Kerala?
The minimum bus charge for an ordinary stage carrier in Kerala is ₹10, which covers a distance of up to 2.5 km.
Who introduced the free bus pass for students in Tamil Nadu?
The free bus pass scheme for students in Tamil Nadu was initially introduced in 1990 by the DMK government under former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.