Thiruvananthapuram: KSRTC has introduced its ‘pink bus – ladies only’ service, placing special emphasis on ensuring safer travel for women. The statewide inauguration of the scheme, announced as part of UDF govt’s 100-day action plan, was held at the Thiruvananthapuram central depot .Minister C P John said the initiative is aimed at providing greater safety and convenience for women commuters, particularly those working late hours.He said the govt’s key objective is to create conditions that allow women to travel independently. As safe travel options are currently limited at night, many women are forced to rely on costlier alternatives, and the new service is expected to offer major relief, he said.The service is expected to benefit a wide range of passengers, including IT employees returning home between 10pm and 5am , hospital staff, women heading back after late-night movies, and patients and caregivers arriving at Thampanoor by train. Special services will also be arranged between 8pm and 10pm for employees working at institutions such as Technopark.He added that the scheme would be expanded to other districts after a scientific assessment of passenger demand in the coming days.The service will not be limited to nighttime operations alone but will also run during the day, he said. The minister added that special morning services have been arranged to help women arriving by train, mothers travelling with small children, and patients travelling to and from medical college hospital .KSRTC has launched the pink bus service as a continuation of the Priyadarshini scheme, which offers free travel for women.In the first phase, the bus will run from East Fort, covering key locations such as Thampanoor, Pattom, Medical College, RCC, Ulloor, Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, Infosys, Lulu Mall and KIMS Hospital.Newly introduced link fast passenger buses stationed at Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam depots are being used for the pink service.John said KSRTC has been setting an example through its model initiatives in promoting public transport systems. The organisation has succeeded in gaining strong public acceptance and trust, which has greatly boosted employee confidence. He also clarified that concerns about KSRTC staff salaries being delayed because of the implementation of free travel schemes are completely unfounded.
