Free bus rides linked to rising footboard travel

Time of India

11-07-2025

It's around 8 am, and the all-too-familiar scene of crowded govt buses with students clinging perilously out of them come into view on Trichy city roads. Notwithstanding the advent of buses fitted with automatic doors, students continue to travel on footboards, putting their lives at risk.
Commuting is more challenging for students travelling from suburban and rural areas.
But why this overcrowding when around 278 of the 430 buses plying in the Trichy region of TNSTC Kumbakonam division operate in the city? "Due to the combination of free services, the number of people travelling in govt buses has increased over the past four years," says an official of the division.
Free travel on govt buses for students began in Tamil Nadu in 1996, while for women, it was introduced in 2021 under Magalir Vidiyal Payanam.
With the increase in passenger numbers, there is a corresponding demand for more buses. Transportation activists say the shortage is compelling students to get accustomed to footboard travel. "Though free bus service is a noble service, it is imperative to increase the fleet to ensure footboard travel is ruled out," says P.
Ayyarappan, founder, Road User Welfare Trust.
"Some students, mostly boys aged 15 to 17, do not follow our advice.
They do it for the sake of thrill though seats are available," says R Selvam, a bus conductor. "Except for buses that are nearing condemnation, we have fitted automatic doors on all the buses," says D Sathish Kumar, general manager of Trichy region of TNSTC Kumbakonam division. However, the fact remains that due to the crowd, the doors remain open on many buses.
Officials told TOI that they have posted officers, checking inspectors, and driving inspectors at important peripheral loading points and toll plazas during during peak hours.
They monitor footboard travellers, especially school and college students and ensure that bus doors remain closed.
Activists sought increased frequency of buses on routes with overcrowding. "TNSTC should survey the routes where students travel in large numbers and operate special buses during peak hours, or increase the number of buses on the route," says Ayyarappan. K Dasarathan, managing director, TNSTC, says they call bus drivers for refreshment training if they commit errors. "If students are at fault, we bring it to the notice of school headmasters and sensitise them during morning prayers," says he.
He added that TNSTC staff visit schools periodically to counsel students in the presence of teachers to create awareness.