In a major relief for women commuters, the West Bengal government has rolled out free travel on all state-run buses from June 1.

The scheme covers buses operated by NBSTC, SBSTC, WBTC and CTC, allowing women to travel without paying fares on both short-distance and long-distance routes across the state.

The initiative is expected to benefit lakhs of women commuters, including students, working professionals and senior citizens.

Whether travelling within the city or on long routes such as Digha to Darjeeling, women can now avail free bus travel on government-operated services.

Pink Card to serve as free travel pass

To streamline the scheme, the state government plans to issue a smart card, known as the Pink Card, to eligible women passengers.

The card will function as a free travel pass and can be used to obtain a zero-value ticket while travelling.

Once issued, passengers will have to swipe the card or scan its QR code on the conductor's e-POS machine after boarding the bus.

The system has been introduced to ensure transparency and maintain records of beneficiaries using the scheme.

Eligibility and application process

According to the guidelines, applicants must be permanent residents of West Bengal. No upper age limit has been specified for obtaining the card.

The Pink Card will be issued free of cost and will be strictly non-transferable. Only the person in whose name the card is issued will be allowed to use it.

Applications can be submitted offline through BDO offices, SDO offices and municipal offices. The government is also expected to facilitate online applications through a dedicated portal.

Documents required for Pink Card

Applicants will need to submit:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Voter ID Card
  • Coloured passport-size photograph
  • Proof of address

Free travel available even before Pink Card rollout

The government has clarified that women need not wait for the Pink Card to start availing the benefit. Until the smart card system is fully implemented, women can travel free by producing a valid identity document before the conductor.

Upon verification, the conductor will issue a zero-value ticket, allowing passengers to travel without paying any fare.

Accepted identity documents

Women can show any one of the following documents:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Voter ID (EPIC)
  • PAN Card
  • Driving Licence
  • Passport
  • MGNREGA Job Card
  • Any government-issued or pension document carrying a photograph

With the scheme coming into effect from June 1, women across West Bengal can now access free travel on government buses by simply carrying a valid identity proof until the Pink Card system is introduced.