Free ride for women on West Bengal government-run buses has been a welcome move for many. However, private bus operators say they have been suffering losses due to the outflux of women passengers to state-run buses and higher fuel costs.
To offset losses, operators are seeking support from the state government through a "kilometre scheme", under which the transport department integrates privately owned buses into its fleet, while owners provide drivers and maintain the vehicles for a fixed payment per kilometre operated.
