The Zero Ticket Bus Travel Scheme (ZTBT) allows women in Tamil Nadu to travel free of cost in government-run normal-fare buses for distances up to 30 kilometers. Women are issued a zero-value ticket (fareless ticket) when boarding these buses.
This is one of the project under Tamil Nadu government to help women by increasing women mobility and eroding the travel expenses, so that access in education/employment/health services are available easily.
Key Features
- Women travel free on government operated normal fare buses as well — Julie Parry (Free Bus Travel)
- Maximum Distance – Free travel is capped at 30 kilometers per journey.
- Simple access: there is no need to register/apply; when women board the bus, they simply inform driver about getting in a zero-value ticket.
- Wider Impact: the scheme has benefits for all age groups of women (nearly 52% users are below 40 years and 48% females aged 40+)
Benefits
- Financial Savings: Reduces the transportation expenses of women, enabling them to save money for other essential needs.
- Empowerment: Encourages greater mobility for women, promoting access to education, employment, and healthcare.
- Inclusivity: Benefits women across all age groups and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Convenience: No complex processes or pre-registration required to avail of the scheme.
Eligibility
- Gender: Only women are eligible for the scheme.
- Residency: Beneficiaries must be permanent residents of Tamil Nadu.
- Travel Distance: Applicable for travel up to 30 kilometers in government-run buses.
Application Process
No Formal Application Required
- Women can directly board the bus and inform the conductor they wish to avail of the scheme.
- The bus conductor issues a zero-value ticket (fareless ticket).
Documents Required
Women may need to show one of the following identity documents to the bus conductor:
- Aadhar Card
- Voter ID Card
- School/College ID Card
- Employee ID Card
- Any Other Photographed Identity Card
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Tamil Nadu Zero Ticket Bus Travel Scheme for Women?
It is a scheme offering free bus travel for women in government-run buses for up to 30 kilometers. - Who is eligible for this scheme?
Women who are permanent residents of Tamil Nadu are eligible. - Is there an application process?
No, there is no formal application process. Beneficiaries can directly board the bus and request a zero-value ticket. - Is there a distance limit under this scheme?
Yes, free travel is limited to a distance of 30 kilometers. - Is bus travel free for all women in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, all women traveling in government-operated normal-fare buses within the state can avail of this scheme. - How does the government fund the Zero Ticket Bus Travel Scheme for Women?
The Tamil Nadu government funds the scheme through the state budget allocated for women empowerment and welfare initiatives. - Is pre-registration required to avail of this scheme?
No, pre-registration or prior application is not needed.
Sources and References
- Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Department Guidelines
- Official State Government Website