Bengaluru has over 60 lakh people using public transport. There are many students who depend entirely on public transport to get to school or college. Although itis considered to be the cheapest form of commuting, it still becomes expensive from time to time. To help such students, the transport department has come out with an initiative that will provide free bus pass to students. Over 19.6 lakh students will be benefited from this initiative. At present, the students belonging to the SC/ST communities can reap the benefits of this initiative.
Divyalata Davakahna feels that an initiative like helps students who study on the outskirts of the city. She goes on to add, “It will comes as a relief for students from the SC/ST communities who are unable to afford the fares of the public transport. Especially for students who study in colleges on the outskirts. Since my father worked in the RTC department, I never had to pay but my friends who traveled with me in the metro bus had to spend over Rs 700 per month. When the passes are going to be free then, this is for sure a welcome move.”
Divine Babu says, “The bus pass charges are not a lot when it is restricted to a route. I had to pay 1,300 for pass per year, but even this amount will be a lot of some people. But when one wants to use a different route due to cramped buses then it poses to be an obstacle. If they provide this kind of a pass to any route then it will be helpful. If there are free passes I feel that the buses will be more crowded and this will pose a difficulty. I think the only way that they can reduce it will be to make the buses more frequent and introducing more buses.”
This city-based student feels that a number of criteria needs to be looked into before issuing the free bus passes. Kabeer says, “Although its a great initiative, focussing on a particular section of the society is not how I feel things should be carried forward. I think SC/ST communities don’t really need these facilities because they are already doing well. The free bus passes need to be provided to students based on their economic and financial status. I also feel that the passes should be given to students based on their merit, conduct in school/college.”
Sociologist Dr Sudeshna Mukerjee feels, “It is a very good initiative as this will increase and promote the use of public transport. The fares charged by private buses are quite high which is not very affordable. I feel that the government can make a more broader base by introducing it to all BPL card holders, that way it is not restricted to one particular category. I also think that since they have made education of girls free till graduation, they also should be given this privilege.”
