West Bengal private buses report revenue drop as women switch to free state-run rides

Private bus operators in Kolkata are reporting a decline in daily collections following the West Bengal government's launch of a free bus travel scheme for women on state-run buses. The scheme, which began on June 1, allows women to travel free of cost on all buses operated by the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC), South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC), and North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC).

The Joint Council of Bus Syndicate (JCBS), the state's oldest private bus union, said that a significant proportion of women commuters in the state previously used private buses but have now shifted to government buses. Tapan Banerjee, president of JCBS, noted that while the union does not question the government's decision, the impact on private bus operations is a concern.

“We cannot comment on the government’s decision… But our respected chief minister had said that buses are ‘gana paribahan’ (people’s transport). Buses help people travel longer distances at affordable prices. If we want to save the private bus sector, we have to think about that too,” Banerjee said.

Bus workers on various routes have observed a visible change in passenger numbers since the scheme was introduced. The drop in women commuters has led to reduced daily earnings for private bus operators, who are already facing financial challenges due to rising fuel costs and competition from app-based cabs.

The free travel scheme is part of the state government's efforts to enhance women's mobility and safety. However, private operators argue that the move disproportionately affects their business, as women formed a large part of their ridership. The JCBS has urged the government to consider measures to support the private bus sector, which remains a vital mode of transport for many residents in both urban and rural areas.