LDF mulls free bus travel for women

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s announcement that UDF, if voted to power, would offer free travel for women in loss-making KSRTC might have invited criticism from transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar.

But this does not mean LDF opposes such a populist plan. LDF is actively considering a similar proposal and more along the same lines for its election manifesto.Sources said a free travel proposal for women and all senior citizens on KSRTC buses came up at the state planning board meeting chaired by the CM on Jan 3. Sources said Kumar, who criticised UDF’s plan, responded positively to a similar suggestion then. CPI nominee in state planning board K Ravi Raman suggested the idea along the lines of the freedom travel pass facility available in London.

LDF is finalizing its election manifesto based on govt’s development agenda. Suggestions that emerged at Vision 2032 seminars, CPM study congress and discussions at state planning board are expected to find a place in the manifesto.TN, Punjab, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and New Delhi govts provide free bus travel for women. Authorities generally offer free rides in ordinary, city services. Karnataka transport corporation, which is reeling under fiscal stress, increased fares in non-subsidised buses by 15%.Sources said KSRTC will incur an additional revenue loss of Rs 3 crore/day if it implements free travel plan. Around 19 lakh people use KSRTC buses each day and 40% are women.