Mumbai: A recent survey by Greenpeace India revealed strong support for fare-free public transport among Mumbai women commuters. More than 96 per cent of them stated they would use public buses more frequently if services were made free for women. The survey was conducted just before the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections and highlighted growing demands for affordable and accessible transportation options in the city.
It is noteworthy that Greenpeace is calling for fare-free public bus transport for women and transgender individuals on all state and city-run buses across Maharashtra. Their manifesto also proposes either fare-free or subsidised tickets for women, transgender people, and the physically challenged on the Mumbai suburban railway network, in an effort to ease the financial burden on these groups.
504 women across 52 bus stops questioned during survey
According to the survey, which polled 504 women at 52 bus stops throughout Mumbai, an overwhelming 94 per cent of respondents expressed their desire for political parties to prioritize safe, reliable, and fare-free public transport in their election agendas. Furthermore, 95 per cent supported the inclusion of fare-free public transport for women and transgender individuals in the manifestos of all political parties.
The survey also highlighted the economic challenges faced by many women commuters, particularly female students and women earning less than Rs 40,000 per month. Nearly half of these groups depend on public buses for their daily travel. The report pointed out that women often bear a higher financial burden due to linked trips requiring multiple tickets and the additional strain of unpaid care work, making affordable public transport a pressing issue for women more than men.
Overcrowding, safety cited among other concerns
Concerns such as safety, overcrowding, and inadequate infrastructure at bus stops were cited as reasons why some women avoid using public buses. To ensure diverse representation in the survey, respondents were selected from South Mumbai, Western Suburbs, Eastern Suburbs, and Harbour Suburbs.
