Archive · 26 Jul 2025
Study: Full Bus Subsidy in Cities Boosts Women's Mobility
A new study looked at how well bus ticket subsidies for women are working in different places.
It found that giving women half-price tickets on buses between cities, like in Maharashtra, isn't as helpful as giving them free rides on buses within the city, like in Delhi and Karnataka.
The study suggests that women in Maharashtra would benefit more from cheaper bus rides inside the city.
This would help them get to work, school, and other places more easily.
Study finds Maharashtra's bus subsidy less effective than full-fare schemes in other states.
42% of women in Maharashtra reported no change in travel behavior due to the subsidy.
Only 10% of women in Maharashtra traveled longer distances compared to 32% in cities with full subsidies.
Full subsidies in cities like Delhi and Karnataka offer greater savings and employment benefits.
Study recommends Maharashtra expand its scheme to include intracity travel.
- Who
- The study was conducted by Nikore Associates, in collaboration with Sustainable Mobility Network, Parisar, and the Waatavaran Foundation.
- What
- A study comparing the effectiveness of bus fare subsidy schemes for women.
- When
- The study was published in July 2025.
- Where
- Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal in India.
- Why
- To assess the impact of different subsidy models on women's mobility and employment.
Advocates for Full Subsidies
Critics of Partial Subsidies
Impact on Women's Mobility
Advocates for Full Subsidies
Full subsidies provide greater benefits and savings for women.
Critics of Partial Subsidies
Partial subsidies offer limited impact, and do not fully address women's daily commuting needs.
Financial Viability
Advocates for Full Subsidies
Full subsidies are viable and generate economic returns.
Critics of Partial Subsidies
Partial subsidies may be a good starting point
- Scheme Evaluated
- Mahila Samman Yojana (Maharashtra)
- Subsidy in Maharashtra
- 50% off intercity bus fares for women
- Full Subsidy Cities
- Delhi, Bengaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad and Karnataka
- Study Participants
- 2,500+ across 10 cities in 5 states
- Women with no travel change in Maharashtra
- 42%
- Women traveling longer distances in full-subsidy cities
- 32%
