T’puram: Transport minister C P John said on Monday that state govt will implement the free travel scheme for women in KSRTC buses from June 15 and added that implementing the scheme in ordinary KSRTC buses would incur an annual expenditure of Rs 712 crore. He said that if the scheme is extended to all bus categories under KSRTC, the annual expenditure could rise to Rs 1,300 crore. Free travel for women in KSRTC buses was one of the five guarantees promised by the Congress-led UDF during its assembly election campaign.“Whatever decision is taken, the govt will provide the subsidy. The expense cannot be met from KSRTC’s revenue. Govt is already paying around Rs 125 crore per month towards salaries and pensions in KSRTC. This will be a special assistance in addition to that,” he said.John said a second phase of the free travel project would be introduced after studying the impact of the scheme announced for 100 days. He also added that the benefit would be extended to transgender persons. The minister said more details of the scheme would be revealed after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday. When asked whether the scheme would lead to a substantial increase in passenger numbers, John said further details would be announced later.John said KSRTC employees need not worry about the financial implications of the scheme as govt has entrusted the finance secretary to study the revenue loss that may arise from the free travel initiative. “There should be no concern over the scheme at KSRTC. A clear model has been prepared and is being discussed by the finance secretary, KSRTC MD and other officials. KSRTC employees and others connected with the corporation need not worry,” he said.The govt scheme has raised concerns among private bus operators, who fear that free travel in KSRTC buses could adversely affect their business. Private bus owners had already opposed the new proposal, arguing that the scheme could impact their operations. Amid these concerns, private bus operators raised a demand seeking the withdrawal of existing concessions, including those for students, if the new free travel scheme for women is implemented.
