Priyadarshini bus service launched: "Zero ticket, unlimited happiness" — not charity but respect, says CM

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala marked a historic moment today as the first Priyadarshini bus departed Thampanoor KSRTC stand at 09:36 with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Transport Minister C.P. John seated by the front door. The bus left amid jubilant passengers and colourful scenes at Thampanoor station, where thousands witnessed the chief minister perform the flag off. The chief minister boarded the bus at 09:32 and greeted the travelling public warmly. The launch fulfils one of the UDF’s promises under the Indira guarantee, officials said. Other ministers were also on board.

At the inauguration platform, the chief minister handed the first ticket to a passenger. "Priyadarshini free travel is not charity," V.D. Satheesan said, adding that the scheme is a socio economic welfare measure that allows women to travel with dignity. "This is the government’s gesture of respect towards women," he said, and assured that the scheme will not cause losses to KSRTC.

The first Priyadarshini bus travelled from Thiruvananthapuram to Perumathura. The service was driven by Sheea from the Perumbavoor depot, KSRTC’s first woman driver.

The Priyadarshini scheme comes into effect from 9am today. In the first phase, free travel will be available to women and transgender persons on KSRTC ordinary, ordinary limited-stop and town to town ordinary rate buses. No special card, certificate or registration is required. There are no age or income limits; women from all sections will be eligible for the benefit.

KSRTC’s liability from the scheme is estimated at Rs 2 crore per day, and the state government will cover the full cost. Buses offering free travel bear "Priyadarshini scheme" stickers on the front and side door panels. Although women will receive a zero fare ticket, the fare stage and seat will still be recorded on the ticket so the journey value is captured by the machine; the ticketing software has been updated to include a Priyadarshini Free Travel (PFT) option.

KSRTC operates 2,900 ordinary schedules daily using 3,125 buses. The southern region has the largest share with 1,268 ordinary schedules, the central region has 831 and the northern region 828 ordinary schedules. The opposition had earlier announced it would boycott the inauguration ceremony.