Bengaluru: Non-governmental organisation Greenpeace India has appealed to the Congress Government to emphasise inclusiveness in the “free bus travel for women” scheme announced by the Congress Government in its election Manifesto. It also gave some suggestions for the implementation of the plan.
Greenpeace India has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in this regard and congratulated the state Government for announcing the free travel scheme. It said that the implementation of free bus travel scheme will be a big contribution to the state, public transport system and women here. The provision of free public transport to women has many positive aspects from an economic point of view as well. It is felt that it strongly reflects better participation of women labour force in economic activities, safe and inclusive environment for all etc. at different levels. Free transport for women is already in place in states like Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Delhi. After its implementation, the monthly income of the beneficiaries and the learning of the children has been positively affected. Therefore, Greenpeace India said that this project is visionary and the first step taken by the new Government in this regard is commendable.
While drawing inspiration from states that have implemented this model scheme, we also need to learn from the challenges and shortcomings faced by those states. Recently there have been reported incidents of some DTC bus drivers in Delhi deliberately refusing to board women passengers. This indicates poor implementation of the scheme and deficiencies in the rules. Hence, it is important to address such potential loopholes from the outset to make the free travel scheme more effective and thereby become a model for other states.
Against this backdrop, Greenpeace India has put forward some recommendations to make the free travel scheme more effective, robust and inclusive.
Making free buses for women more accessible, safe and efficient. There should be free bus facility and reserved seats for women and sexual minorities. Safety helpline numbers should be displayed for all to see. Efforts should be made to recruit more women as bus conductors, drivers and other departmental staff. In addition, a supportive working environment for women should be ensured.
Special women buses should be scheduled every hour to ensure a safe and stress-free travel experience for women passengers. Amenities like toilets, proper lighting, public announcement, information display system etc. should be installed at all bus stations. By doing so, it creates a safe and reliable environment for bus users, especially women and sexual minorities.
Providing an effective 24/7 (24 hours a day) grievance redressal system to bus passengers. A free easy bus ticketing system should be made available while boarding the bus, without any pre-registration or identification card. This ensures that all women in Karnataka, including migrants and non-residents, benefit from the scheme.
Increasing availability and accessibility of public transport system to citizens. The number of BMTC buses should be increased to 10,000 immediately and 14,000 within 5 years by the end of 2023.
90% of the newly purchased buses should be solar and electric powered, with low emission models and easy-to-climb stairs to ensure inclusiveness.
At least 5000 new mini buses should be deployed in Bengaluru alone especially on inner roads and second level roads. Mini buses provide first and last stop connectivity for all. Government should increase financial allocation to other transport corporations in the state to increase the number of public buses. Construction of 11 bus lanes in Balengaluru dedicated bus lanes should be established on 11 roads in Bengaluru to reduce traffic congestion in the city, provide reliable on-time bus service and reduce air pollution.
Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS) should be set up in other areas of Karnataka to further strengthen the public bus transport network of the state.
The Government is stepping up to address issues related to the safety and need of women in public transport. However, investments in urban transport often ignore gender sensitive issues and there is little awareness of the relationship between connectivity transport and gender sensitivities.
Without emphasis on women’s safety, comfort, convenience and affordability in urban transport, sustainable urban development cannot be achieved. Building a city for women essentially means building a city for everyone.
The Government will consider these recommendations seriously and Greenpeace India said it hopes to lay the foundation for building a city that is pro-feminist and equal for all.