Free bus service for women records over 3.5 lakh users in just one week
Officials report that daily ridership has doubled, with around 40,000 to 50,000 women frequently commuting in more than 95 electric buses.
Srinagar, Apr 08 (KNO): The recently introduced free bus service for women in Jammu and Kashmir has seen an overwhelming response, with more than 3.5 lakh women utilising the facility in its first week since launching on April 01.
Designed to improve accessibility and mobility for women, the initiative has been widely praised. Women from both rural and urban areas are regularly using the service to commute to educational institutions, workplaces, and markets.
As per the details obtained by the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), bus stops now witness large turnouts, especially during peak hours—8 to 10 AM, midday, and 4 to 6 PM.
According to Smart City data, accessed by a KNO correspondent, the daily ridership on electric buses has doubled since the scheme began. “Where earlier we saw around 20,000 to 21,000 people using the service, the number has now risen to more than 40,000,” said an official.
Presently, more than 95 air-conditioned electric buses operate on more than 30 routes, carrying nearly 50,000 women passengers every day.
Passengers have lauded the move, especially during the hot summer days. “More than half of my salary was spent on daily travel. Now, I save that money and can spend it on essentials,” said a working woman from the outskirts of the city.
Officials also acknowledged the initiative and added they had a substantial social impact, especially in empowering women and reducing their dependency on private or unsafe transport options. “To ensure the scheme remains viable in the long term, authorities are considering various funding mechanisms and government subsidies.” —(KNO)
