The Chandrababu Naidu Government has launched the Free Bus for Women scheme as part of its Super Six initiatives. Though it carries the least financial burden among the six, officials took time to frame a policy that reduces the loss to RTC before rolling it out.
The scheme has now begun and received strong initial support from the public. Some measures taken by a government are generally beyond the scope of political debate. Yet when the opposition criticises every move, it risks appearing desperate. Free Bus for Women is one such plan that YSR Congress should have avoided targeting.
However, party leaders are attempting to highlight minor issues in order to undermine the scheme. They allege that women are cheated because free travel applies only to selected bus categories. They also argue that women travelling long distances may need to switch buses multiple times, which they call unfair.
But the public seems unconcerned about these objections. They are satisfied with free travel on the specific bus services that benefit poor and middle-class passengers. Those seeking comfort or luxury do not mind paying for it. As for long journeys, most women travel such distances only once or twice a year, so the impact is minimal.
The YSR Congress also objects to the exclusion of the Tirupati to Tirumala route. Yet offering free travel there would leave men struggling to get seats during family visits. It could even trigger overcrowding or stampedes given the heavy rush, which is why the government excluded it after careful thought.
The essence of Free Bus for Women lies in easing daily expenses for students, employees, and others who depend on public transport regularly. Since the scheme addresses this crucial need, people have no real complaints. The opposition risks appearing jealous and desperate if it continues to nitpick.
