Patna: Patna’s Pink Bus service has been redesigned to better serve female students and teachers, with buses now operating during school and college hours. The decision comes under the guidance of Mihir Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department, who instructed the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) to run Pink Buses according to schedules that match students’ and teachers’ routines. This new arrangement aims to provide a safe, comfortable, and reliable travel option, addressing concerns about security and convenience for women commuting in public transport.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the Pink Bus service across Bihar in two phases, introducing a total of 100 buses. Currently, 30 Pink Buses are operating in Patna city, covering various routes within the city and connecting the district to surrounding areas. These buses are specifically intended to help female students and women travel safely, offering a dependable alternative to regular public transport. Officials believe this initiative will encourage more women and girls to use public transport, improving both safety and confidence.
To make the service more accessible, the transport department has introduced special monthly passes for female passengers. Female students can obtain a pass for ₹450 per month, while women and transgender passengers are charged ₹550. Passes can be applied for online via the Chalo mobile app, with issuance on the same day. For offline applications, passengers can visit the Bankipur or Phulwarisharif bus depots and obtain a pass immediately by paying an additional ₹20 fee. The process has been designed to be simple and convenient, ensuring that more women can easily access this service.
Obtaining a pass requires basic identification documents. Female students must submit their Aadhaar card, a passport-size photo, and their college ID, while female passengers need to provide an Aadhaar card and photo. This system not only makes travel easier and safer for women and students but also strengthens trust in public transport. By focusing on convenience, safety, and reliability, Patna’s Pink Bus service is set to become an important lifeline for female commuters in the city.
