Thiruvananthapuram: Free travel for women on KSRTC buses in the state is set to commence on Monday. Officials have confirmed that all preparations for the travel scheme are complete. In connection with the 'Priyadarshini Free Travel' initiative, inaugural events will be held across all terminals in the district, after which the free services will begin.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan will inaugurate the Priyadarshini Free Travel scheme at the Thampanoor bus terminal on Monday at 8.30 am. Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister will travel alongside women passengers on the maiden service departing from Thampanoor. Meanwhile, to avoid confusion among passengers, 'Priyadarshini Free Travel' stickers have been affixed to the buses. Stickers reading 'City Fast' are also being put up to easily identify City Fast buses operating within city limits. The inspection of ticket machines has also been completed. Even though the travel is free, a 'zero ticket' is mandatory.
Fine to be slapped if failed to get ticket

Officials warned that a fine of ₹500 will be levied from those who fail to get a ticket. Free travel is applicable across seven categories of ordinary services: Ordinary, City Ordinary, Limited Stop Ordinary, Town-to-Town, Fair Stage Limited Stop Ordinary, Point-to-Point Ordinary and Gramavandi.

A total of 31 ordinary buses from the East Fort depot will operate services across the city. While there are no female drivers in the ordinary section, there are around 30 female conductors. The longest service from the East Fort depot runs from East Fort to Karakulam-Keltron-Veli.

Regular services will operate from Monday morning. Following the official inauguration of the free travel scheme, one free travel bus will commence service from every depot. Apart from East Fort, ordinary buses will run in the city from Vikas Bhavan, Peroorkada and Pappanamchottu depots.
In addition, a higher number of ordinary services to the city will operate from Attingal, Venjaramoodu and Kattakada depots.