Hibi Eden,Member of Parliament, kicked off ‘Priyadarshini’ free bus travel scheme for women in Ernakulam on Monday. Happened at Ernakulam Boat Jetty bus stand with local bigwigs like Mayor V.K. Minimol and Ernakulam MLA T.J. Vinod at launch.
For women here,this initiative means real financial break. Ambika Puliyedath,57,commutes often from Ernakulam to Chavakkad, Thrissur,spending ₹220 on transport after night shifts at General Hospital. “Having a reliable mode of transportation for which we don’t have to pay is going to make a huge difference to our monthly budget,” she noted during event.
Another attendee, Bindumol C.D., 55,hopeful about scheme's impact, expects to save about ₹1,000 monthly . First free ticket was issued by conductor S . Surya to Mayor Minimol on inaugural bus, a Guruvayur-bound vehicle marked KL-15-9632.
As bus readied to leave, women — party workers,commuters — eagerly got on. Made brief city detour,adding flair to launch. S. Radhakrishnan, 73,among passengers, said, “It gives women greater freedom and mobility.”
Excitement buzzed as passengers shared thoughts. Lulu Nafeesath,a transwoman,laughed, “It feels like we went on a little excursion,” capturing positive vibe of initiative . Scheme aims to boost women's mobility here,tackling practical transport needs… and more.
