Women riders in state-run ‘ordinary’ buses up after scheme roll-out in Kerala

Following the introduction of the Priyadarshini free ride scheme in Kerala, women now account for 64% of passengers on state-run ordinary buses, a significant increase from the 50% they represented before the scheme's launch. This initiative has not only boosted female ridership but also reflects a broader societal shift towards greater gender equality in public transportation. The success of this program highlights the potential for similar policies in other regions to encourage more women to use public transit, thereby promoting safety and accessibility.