On the very day of its launch, the KSRTC’s free travel scheme for women faced a setback in Thrissur, where female passengers were reportedly charged fares during the inaugural journey. The incident occurred on an ordinary bus traveling from Thrissur to Chalakudy, forcing women who boarded the vehicle to purchase regular tickets.

According to the passengers, they boarded the bus after the official inauguration of the scheme, and tickets were issued to them at 9:34 AM. When questioned, the conductor explained that the ticketing system had not yet been updated to accommodate the free travel scheme. Ironically, this same bus was accorded a formal reception at Puthukkad during its journey.

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Women Must Take Zero Tickets for KSRTC Free Travel, Future Benefits Promised says Transport Minister Kerala Government Launches Priyadarshini Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women

The “Priyadarshini” scheme was officially inaugurated earlier in the morning at the Thampanoor depot in Thiruvananthapuram by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who traveled on a KSRTC bus along with women and the Transport Minister. The event was boycotted by the LDF. Under this scheme, women and transgender individuals can travel for free across 3,125 ordinary KSRTC buses, which are identified by special stickers, though carrying a mandatory “zero ticket” is required.