CM to launch the pink bus services in six cities today
Patna: CM Nitish Kumar will flag off the first batch of 20 pink buses of
(BSRTC), meant for women, at a function to be held on 1 Anne Marg in Patna on Friday.
With the aim of improving safety and accessibility for women commuters, eight CNG (compressed natural gas)-powered pink buses will roll out in Patna, four in Muzaffarpur, and two each in Gaya, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur and Purnia, said the BSRTC officials.
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In Patna, the new buses will initially ply on four routes — from Gandhi Maidan to AIIMS-Patna in Phulwarisharif, Danapur and Kurji (via Boring Road), and NIT-More to Kankarbagh autorickshaw stand.
According to the officials, the minimum fare will be Rs 6 and maximum Rs 35 for one-way journey. Various payment options like prepaid cards, and monthly and student passes are available. Initially, the driver in the buses will be men, while the conductor will be women.
"We will train women drivers as well," an official said.
The 22-seater buses will be equipped with modern safety features, including CCTV cameras, GPS tracking systems, panic buttons, speed governor, fire extinguisher and first-aid kit, besides mobile charging port near all seats. The real-time location of the buses can be seen on 'Chalo', a mobile application.
Transport minister Sheela Kumari said that the pink bus service will serve as a significant step towards social empowerment.
"It will boost women's confidence. In the future, the pink bus service will be expanded to other cities," she said. Eighty more pink buses are already in the pipeline.
Transport secretary Sandeep Kumar R Pudakalkatti said that the pink bus service is specifically for working women and students to provide them with a sense of safety during travel.
Women can spot the pink buses from a distance due to their distinctive colour.
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