NEW DELHI: A Bengaluru resident has ignited a heated discussion on social media by questioning the fairness of free bus rides for women in Karnataka. Sharing his observations during a bus journey, the user expressed concerns about the scheme’s sustainability and implications for equality.
A social media user, identified as @KiranKS on X, recounted his early morning journey from Bengaluru to Mysuru on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus. Highlighting the fare of Rs 210 for male passengers, he pointed out that nearly 30 of the 50 passengers onboard were women who traveled free by simply showing their Aadhaar cards.
In his post, he raised several questions.”1) Nearly 30 of the 50 passengers were women. Just show Aadhaar and travel free. Is this fair? Is it equality? 2) 20 men are paying for the entire bus. Is that fair? 3) Saw an old man struggling to find notes to pay, while a well-off young woman on a video call next to him travels free. Is that fair? 4) If the state is having so much surplus income, why not make it free for these 20 men also? Universal free bus service like airport shuttle service,” Kiran said in a post on X.
He added that the the subsidy and welfare are given to those who can’t afford in other countries, but are given to women from two rich cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru irrespective of their financial backgrounds.
He concluded by critiquing the broader culture of political freebies, saying, “We have entered the vicious cycle of freebies for votes. Tough to get out of it in the near future.”
The debate over free bus rides for women has taken center stage in Karnataka’s political discourse. The Congress-led government’s decision to offer free bus travel to women has drawn criticism, particularly from the opposition BJP.
Adding fuel to the controversy, the state recently announced a 15% hike in fares across all four state-run transport corporations, intensifying the scrutiny. BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginkai accused the Congress government of failing to balance public welfare with financial sustainability.
“After 1.5 years, the Congress government has understood that it is difficult to run the promised free scheme,” Tenginkai told ANI. “On one hand, they say they will make the buses free for women, whereas on the other hand, they are increasing the fare by 20-30 per cent. Development has halted in Karnataka. They should decide whether or not to give the free schemes.”
Supporters of the scheme however, argue that free bus rides empower women, promoting greater mobility and access to opportunities.
