Free public transport for women could well transform Karnataka
Karnataka's move to provide free basic public bus services to women could be a game-changer for the state's development, if investments are made to make it a success. The policy will benefit the poorest families, spur women's education, workforce participation and employment, and unlock human potential tied down by unfavorable social conditions. However, the Karnataka government must back the scheme with a policy to quadruple the number of public buses, deregulate urban and long-distance road transport, design incentive structures for transport corporations, maximize coverage, invest in footpaths, and finance it through parking fee revenues and advertising.
Karnataka's move to provide free basic public bus services to women could be a game-changer for the state's development, if investments are made to make it a success. The policy will benefit the poorest families, spur women's education, workforce participation and employment, and unlock human potential tied down by unfavorable social conditions. However, the Karnataka government must back the scheme with a policy to quadruple the number of public buses, deregulate urban and long-distance road transport, design incentive structures for transport corporations, maximize coverage, invest in footpaths, and finance it through parking fee revenues and advertising.