Disappearance of ‘Ladies Special Bus’ Leaves Female Commuters in Srinagar Disappointed

Buzzbytes,Srinagar, March 13, 2024:*Female commuters, particularly college students, in Srinagar are expressing dismay over the absence of the “Ladies Special Bus” service, provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC). The specialized transportation service, aimed at catering exclusively to female passengers, has seemingly vanished from the city’s roads, causing inconvenience and frustration among its regular users.In interviews with local media, several female commuters highlighted the challenges they face due to the absence of the dedicated bus service. Insha, a student at MA Road College, lamented the inconvenience of having to change buses multiple times to reach her college, as the route of the regular buses does not directly connect to educational institutions. Many students, like Insha, are forced to board overcrowded public transport buses, compromising their comfort and safety.Miss Shaheen, a banker, emphasized the discomfort of standing among male passengers in overcrowded buses during her daily commute to the office. She expressed that having a “Ladies Special Bus” would offer a more comfortable and secure travel option for female commuters.Furthermore, students from Women’s College MA Road Srinagar and other educational institutions shared their struggles with reaching their colleges via public transport, citing overcrowded buses as a major challenge. They stressed the need for the reinstatement of the “Ladies Special Bus” service, which previously provided commuting relief for female passengers.A group of women suggested that the specialized bus service should have direct access to areas dominated by educational institutions, government or private offices, and workplaces, ensuring convenient transportation for female commuters across the city.According to JKRTC officials, the “Ladies Special Bus” service, with a seat capacity of 32 in each bus, previously operated on four routes, including Lal Chowk, Soura, Kashmir University, and downtown areas passing through Nalla Amir Khan Road. However, the service’s discontinuation has left a significant gap in the transportation options available to female commuters in Srinagar.As female commuters continue to face challenges in accessing safe and reliable transportation, there is a growing call for the reinstatement of the “Ladies Special Bus” service to address their commuting needs effectively.