Women and transgender persons will be able to travel free of charge on selected Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) services from Monday under the Priyadarshini scheme. However, passengers eligble for free travel must still obtain a ticket while boarding, even though no fare will be charged.

The scheme, announced as part of the UDF government's ‘Indira Guarantee’ programme, provides free travel for women and transgender passengers on KSRTC ordinary bus services across the state.

The service will be formally launched at 8.30 am on Monday at the Thampanoor bus terminal. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the scheme, after which free travel will be available on all eligible ordinary services across Kerala.

For the inaugural trip, both the driver and conductor will be women. The Chief Minister and ministers are also expected to travel on the launch service.

Transport Minister has said free travel will be available on 3,125 KSRTC ordinary buses operating across the state.

Passengers travelling on these services can avail themselves of the free travel benefit if they fall within the eligible categories.

Ticket still mandatory

Although the journey is free, eligible passengers must collect a ticket after boarding the bus.

KSRTC has clarified that only the fare has been waived. All passengers are still required to obtain a valid ticket for their journey. 

Travelling without a ticket remains an offence. Those found travelling without one may be fined Rs 500.

Rules for accompanying children

The free travel benefit does not automatically extend to accompanying boys.

A half-ticket must be purchased for boys aged between 5 and 11 years. If the child is 12 years old or above, a full ticket must be purchased.

Girls, however, are eligible for free travel under the scheme.

Other travel rules remain unchanged

KSRTC has stressed that the waiver applies only to ticket charges. All other rules governing public transport remain in force for beneficiaries of the scheme.

No change in regulations related to seats reserved for women, pregnant passengers and elderly people.

Passengers must also continue to follow regulations related to bus stops, general traffic and transport rules.