Mahalakshmi free bus scheme cuts women’s travel costs by 68% Pic: Suman Reddy D
Hyderabad: Women’s average travel cost per trip fell by 68.1% and reliance on TGSRTC buses increased sharply after the state govt launched the Mahalakshmi free bus scheme in Dec 2023, according to a study published in the latest edition of the journal Sustainable Transport and Livability. Women from households earning below ₹20,000 a month saw travel costs fall by about 73%, compared with 69% among those earning ₹20,001–₹50,000 and 62% among those earning above ₹2 lakh. Women below 20 reported the biggest gains in travel distance and frequency, while those aged 30–40 shifted most strongly to buses. Women above 40 recorded the greatest savings.
“The main objective of our study was to understand whether the scheme has improved women’s mobility and quality of life beyond simply reducing their travel expenses,” said Pavan Kumar Machavarapu of the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. The benefits varied across income and age groups. Students and informal workers showed the strongest shift to buses, while homemakers benefited mainly from lower expenses. The researchers cautioned that free travel alone does not ensure equal access to opportunities. They recommended expanding services in peripheral and low-income areas, improving first- and last-mile connectivity, adding buses during academic hours, and providing better facilities for older women and homemakers. Female conductors, CCTV cameras, better-lit bus stops and improved crowd management were suggested to enhance safety. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Hyderabad | Silver Rate in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Petrol Price in Hyderabad | Diesel Price in Hyderabad | CNG Price in Hyderabad | LPG Price in Hyderabad