Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Transport Minister C P John on Friday said the government is focusing on increasing KSRTC's non-fare revenue ahead of the implementation of free travel for women on ordinary buses from June 15.
John was speaking to reporters about the inauguration of the Priyadarshini programme, under which women will be able to travel free of cost on ordinary Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses.
The scheme was one of the guarantees announced by the UDF during the Assembly election.
He said the scheme would be formally inaugurated by Chief Minister V D Satheesan at the Thampanoor Bus Terminal here at 8.30 am on June 15.
A special service operated by a woman driver and a woman conductor will mark the launch, though the bus will operate as a regular service, carrying passengers on its designated route.
The minister said there were 3,125 ordinary buses in the KSRTC fleet and that the majority of the corporation's services were operated by ordinary buses.
"It will be a substantial financial burden, but the liability will not fall on KSRTC. The Kerala government has decided to provide the required funds to the transport corporation as a grant," he said, estimating the daily expenditure under the scheme at more than Rs 2 crore.
To assess the exact financial impact, all women passengers will be issued zero-fare tickets.
The minister said the tickets would help authorities determine the number of beneficiaries and the total subsidy amount required.
He said the government was also focusing on increasing KSRTC's non-fare revenue.
"Efforts will be made to attract more advertisements and explore innovative revenue-generation measures. We welcome public suggestions, including proposals from individuals or organisations interested in sponsoring buses, though the modalities for such arrangements have not yet been finalised," he said.
He added that non-fare revenue would also be strengthened by exploring new avenues such as logistics and courier services.
John also announced plans to expand the existing "Grama Vandi" rural transport initiative launched by the previous government.
"Currently operating 58 services with local self-government support, the scheme is expected to be expanded to around 500 vehicles in the near future," he said.
He said that new routes would be explored to launch additional services across the state.
The minister said the government was considering the formation of depot-level development committees comprising MLAs, MPs, local body representatives, and political party nominees to help improve KSRTC services.
Referring to recent expert opinions on free travel, John said that while the scheme might appear financially unviable when viewed solely from a balance-sheet perspective, it would generate wider economic and social benefits.
"The money saved by women on travel will be spent on other household needs, including food, medicines, and children's requirements," he said.
According to preliminary estimates, regular women workers commuting to their workplaces could see their effective incomes rise by 15 to 25 per cent due to savings on transport expenses, he said.
Describing the initiative as more than a mere travel concession, the minister said it would contribute to improving the real wages and economic security of ordinary women.
"This should not be viewed only through the lens of profit and loss. It is a social welfare measure that can positively impact the lives of women and their families," he added.
John said that a white paper on KSRTC's financial condition would be released within three months, substantiating the project's impact on the corporation.
Responding to questions about the impact of the free-travel scheme on private bus operators, John said the government viewed private operators as partners in strengthening public transport and had no intention of harming the sector.
The minister noted that both KSRTC and private buses perform the same public service function.
"KSRTC operates public transport, and so do private bus operators. Ten years ago, there were around 30,000 public transport buses in the state. Today, the number has fallen to below 10,000. There is no hostility towards private operators. I respect them as investors who are providing an important public service," he said.
John pointed out that private bus owners contribute significantly through various taxes, including vehicle taxes and permit-related payments.
"Neither the government nor KSRTC has any agenda to destroy private operators. Likewise, there should not be a confrontational approach from their side. We are all engaged in the same task of providing public transport. Our policy is to bring together everyone interested in strengthening the public transport system," he said.
Replying to a query on compassionate appointments in KSRTC, John said they would be considered in accordance with existing norms.
He said KSRTC already had major financial commitments, including monthly expenditure of around Rs 125 crore on employee salaries and pensions.
"When I assumed charge as Transport Minister, my first challenge was to ensure that salaries and pensions were paid on time. We have been able to achieve that," he said.
To help women passengers easily identify buses eligible for free travel, KSRTC will place stickers on the vehicles.
The minister said the stickers would be prominently displayed, particularly near the entrance doors, and could also be placed at the front and rear of buses if required.
John said that efforts would be made to reduce emissions in light of environmental concerns and that options such as battery-powered buses would be explored.
