Free Bus Service for Women: Relief or Rising Burden?

Every journey has a purpose; every road has a price — What comes for free can sometimes cost the most.

- BY AUBAID AHMAD AKHOON

A few months ago, the Jammu and Kashmir government launched a much-talked-about free bus service for women — a move that many celebrated as progressive and empowering. For a region where mobility and safety for women have always been important issues, this step was seen as a milestone. However, like many well-intentioned welfare schemes, this one too deserves a closer look to understand its ground reality and long-term impact.

A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

As a regular commuter who has mostly relied on government buses, I have always appreciated their relatively better service and comfort, even if the fare was slightly higher than that of local minibuses. After a tiring day at work, a guaranteed seat and a smoother ride make all the difference.

But since the introduction of the free bus service for women, this comfort has become rare. The buses are now packed beyond capacity. Finding a seat is next to impossible — and when a woman is seen standing, any man with a conscience feels morally compelled to vacate his seat.

What’s more, many of the new users are employed women with decent salaries who previously used their own vehicles but now naturally prefer the free ride. As a result, the system is overloaded, leaving genuinely needy passengers — daily wage workers, students, the elderly — struggling for space and comfort.