Women in the Nilgiris deprived of free bus travel scheme, alleges association

The Coonoor Consumer Protection Association has asked for clarification from the State government as to whether free bus travel for women would be applicable in the Nilgiris.S. Manogaran, president of the Coonoor Consumer Protection Association said out of 367 buses in the district, only 167 are being operated as ordinary-fare mofussil buses. “The remaining 180 buses have been extended to the plains and are charged express fares, on the grounds that they travel more than 80 km. Under the previous government, only 110 mofussil buses operating within a distance of 35 km were functioning as free-travel buses for women.In the announcement recently issued, it has been stated that women can travel free of charge even on express buses. However, it is not clear whether this benefit will also apply