West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The West Bengal Government launched the West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women on 1 June 2026 to provide free travel on all eligible state-run buses across the state. The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden of daily commuting and make public transportation more affordable and accessible for women. By offering free bus travel, the Government seeks to improve women's access to education, employment, healthcare, government services, markets, and other essential destinations while promoting their safety, mobility, and economic empowerment.

The scheme is available to eligible women residing in West Bengal who travel on state-run buses. To ensure smooth implementation, the State Government has allocated ₹550 crore for the scheme in the 2026-27 Budget. The initiative is expected to benefit lakhs of women across urban and rural areas, including students, working women, homemakers, senior citizens, and women from economically weaker households, by significantly reducing their transportation expenses.

At present, women do not need to submit any application to avail the benefits of the scheme. Eligible women can travel free of cost by simply showing any valid Government-issued photo identity proof to the bus conductor while boarding an eligible state-run bus. After verifying the identity, the conductor issues a Zero Value Ticket (Free Ticket) or Thermal Paper Ticket, allowing the passenger to complete the journey without paying any fare.

The West Bengal Government has also announced that a dedicated WB Free Bus Travel Smart Card (Pink Card) will be introduced for eligible women beneficiaries in the future. However, the registration and application process has not yet been notified. Once the Government officially announces the application process, required documents, and registration procedure, the complete details will be updated here.

The scheme is being implemented by the Transport Department, Government of West Bengal. By making public transport free for women, the Government aims to strengthen women's financial independence, encourage greater participation in education and employment, and ensure that affordable transportation is available to women across the state.

Scheme Benefits

• Women can travel free of cost in all state-run buses across West Bengal.
• The scheme covers both short-route and long-route state-run buses.
• Women will save money on daily transportation expenses.
• Female students will receive easier access to schools, colleges, and coaching institutes.
• Working women will receive financial relief for daily commuting costs.
• Women from low-income families will gain improved access to healthcare, markets, and public services.
• The initiative will strengthen women's empowerment and improve public transport accessibility.
• The scheme will increase women's mobility and participation in economic and social activities.

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant should be a woman.
• The beneficiary should be a resident of West Bengal.
• Women travelling in state-run buses across West Bengal can avail free travel benefits under the scheme.
• Women must complete identity verification for smart card issuance.

Required Documents

The Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, will issue the WB Free Bus Travel Smart Card to eligible women beneficiaries after identity verification. Women can submit any of the following approved identity proof documents while applying for the smart card under the scheme.

• Aadhaar Card
• EPIC / Voter ID Card
• BPL / Ration Card
• Ayushman Bharat Card
• Driving License
• PAN Card
• Indian Passport
• Pension Document with Photograph
• Government / PSU Employee Identity Card
• School / College / University Identity Card
• Recent Passport Size Photograph

WB Free Bus Travel Smart Card

• The Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, will issue a special WB Free Bus Travel Smart Card to eligible women beneficiaries under the scheme.
• Women will use the Smart Card to avail free travel benefits in all state-run buses across West Bengal.
• The Smart Card will contain a QR Code, the beneficiary's photograph, and beneficiary details for identity verification.
• The government introduced the Smart Card system to ensure transparent beneficiary verification and smooth implementation of the free bus travel scheme.
• The Smart Card will help bus conductors quickly verify eligible women passengers during travel.
• The card will work as an official women's free bus travel pass issued by the West Bengal Government.
• Women should keep the Smart Card safely and carry it while travelling in state-run buses after issuance. 

Has the WB Government Stopped Issuing Zero Value Tickets from 1 August 2026?

No. The West Bengal Government has not issued any official notification stating that Zero Value Tickets (Free Tickets) have been discontinued from 1 August 2026. As per the latest official guidelines, eligible women can continue to travel free of cost in state-run buses by showing a valid Government-issued photo identity card. After identity verification, the bus conductor will issue a Zero Value Ticket (Thermal Paper Ticket) for the journey.

The Government had also announced that a WB Free Bus Travel Smart Card (Pink Card) would be introduced in the future. However, the Transport Department has not yet announced the registration process, application procedure, distribution schedule, or the date from which the Pink Card will be issued. Until an official notification is released, the existing system of travelling with a valid photo ID and receiving a Zero Value Ticket will continue.

Steps to Apply

• Women currently do not need to submit any application to avail free bus travel benefits under the West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme.
• Eligible women can travel free of cost in all state-run buses by simply showing any valid Government-issued photo identity proof to the bus conductor.
• After identity verification, the conductor will issue a Zero Value Ticket (Free Ticket) or Thermal Paper Ticket for the journey.
• The West Bengal Government has announced that a WB Free Bus Travel Smart Card (Pink Card) will be introduced for eligible women beneficiaries.
• The Smart Card will contain a QR Code, beneficiary photograph, and beneficiary details for identity verification and free travel access.
• However, the application process for the Pink Card has not yet been started or officially notified by the Government.
• Once the Government announces the Pink Card registration process and other guidelines, we will update the complete application procedure here.

Relevant Links

• West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme Official Notification.
• West Bengal Transport Department
• West Bengal Transport Corporation

Contact Information

• Official helpline numbers for the West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women are currently unavailable.
• West Bengal Transport Department Contact Details.