Several Indian states, including Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, offer free bus travel for women in public transport systems. Women are the largest group of public transport users in India, but many choose slower, more affordable options, restricting their mobility. The success of the free bus scheme is often debated, but little focus has been on measuring its effectiveness. This article discusses how an NGO in Tamil Nadu assessed the scheme's success and what other states can learn from it.
How an NGO in Tamil Nadu Measured the Success of the Free Bus Scheme?
The Citizen Consumer and Civil Action Group (CAG) conducted a survey of 3,000 women across six cities in Tamil Nadu, both urban and rural, to understand the impact of the free bus scheme. Here are the key findings:
Monthly Savings: Women saved between ₹600 and ₹800 per month, which they reinvested in their families’ welfare.
Improved Mobility: The scheme transformed how women accessed public transport and enhanced their travel experiences.
Debt Reduction: On average, the scheme helped women reduce their debts by 45%.
Job Opportunities: The scheme made it easier for women, especially in rural areas, to find jobs.
Time Savings: Women in urban areas saved time on their commutes.
State Expenditure Impact: The scheme wasn’t a loss for the state exchequer but rather a redistribution of money from one government entity to another.
Safety and Satisfaction: Women working late-night shifts, especially after 10 PM, expressed higher satisfaction with the scheme.
What Other States Can Learn from This Approach
Evidence-Based Administration Continuous monitoring and tracking of the scheme’s effectiveness through evidence-based administration are crucial. This includes regular social audits and quick action on identified gaps. Randomized clinical trials and the establishment of research units across the state can help ensure ongoing evaluation and improvement.
Key Metrics for Evaluation:
Female Labor Force Participation: Track how the scheme influences women’s participation in the workforce before and after its implementation.
Income & Education Levels: Measure the income and education levels of women in both urban and rural areas to evaluate whether the scheme has a broader socioeconomic impact.
Mobility, Safety, and Accessibility: Assess the reliability, safety, and ease of access to buses. Special focus should be given to physically handicapped women who may face challenges due to inadequate infrastructure.
Crime Rate Reduction: Track crime and sexual harassment incidents involving women during transit before and after the scheme to ensure it provides a safer environment.
Environmental Impact: Conduct audits on pollution levels and road usage to understand the ecological benefits of increased public transport usage by women.
RTC Management: Evaluate and rationalize bus routes based on usage data, ensuring buses are clean, frequent, and well-maintained. This was one of the main complaints identified in the Tamil Nadu study.
Addressing Criticism
Why Allow Free Travel for All Women, Regardless of Income? Restricting the scheme to only socio-economically disadvantaged women can create divisions and stigmatize beneficiaries. Moreover, financial and mobility restrictions affect women across all social classes. Many wealthy women still rely on family heads for finances, while some women from lower-income groups need the scheme for education or employment opportunities. A universal approach addresses these systemic issues.
Impact on Rickshaw Drivers The scheme may negatively impact rickshaw drivers, who already face financial constraints. The government could introduce measures to support these drivers, such as annual financial compensation or reducing their operating costs.
Pressure on RTC and State Finances Although the state exchequer compensates the RTC for lost ticket revenue, the savings women experience are often spent elsewhere within the economy, mitigating the financial strain. However, further efforts are needed to fully balance the costs.
Global Perspective
A McKinsey report highlighted that improving female mobility through free transportation could boost GDP. International examples like Luxembourg, which made public transport free in 2020, and Germany, which has adopted similar measures, demonstrate the broader economic benefits. In Australia, Melbourne offers free tram services, while Sydney’s transport system is shifting toward time-based rather than distance-based fares to stimulate the economy. Indian states can learn from these examples to better implement and refine their own free bus schemes for women, which could contribute to increased workforce participation and economic growth.
The free bus scheme for women offers significant potential to improve women’s mobility, safety, and financial well-being while also benefiting the economy. By employing evidence-based administration and learning from the experiences of Tamil Nadu and global counterparts, states can refine and enhance the scheme. Despite the challenges and criticisms, with proper monitoring and adaptations, this initiative could lead to long-term social and economic benefits, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive workforce and a more resilient economy.
Written by:Chennam J.V.K. Sathya Swaroop
Email: sathyaswaroop777@gmail.com
Phone: 9493239061
For any queries or further discussions, feel free to contact me.
Comments