Introduction The Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women was launched by the Government of West Bengal on 1 June 2026 to provide free travel facilities to women using state-run buses across the state. The initiative aims to make public transportation more affordable and improve access to education, employment, healthcare, markets, and other essential services. The scheme is implemented by the Transport Department, Government of West Bengal. Under this initiative, eligible women can travel without paying bus fare on notified state-operated bus services. The Government has earmarked significant budgetary support for the scheme to ensure smooth implementation and wider coverage across urban and rural areas. The benefit is intended for women from all sections of society, including students, working professionals, homemakers, senior citizens, and economically weaker households. By reducing transportation expenses, the scheme seeks to strengthen women's mobility and financial independence. Initially, beneficiaries were allowed to travel using valid identity proof and receive a Zero Value Ticket. However, the Government has now moved towards a Smart Card-based verification system for availing free travel benefits. Benefits Free travel facility in eligible state-run buses across West Bengal. Reduction in daily transportation expenses for women commuters. Improved access to schools, colleges, coaching centres, and educational institutions. Financial relief for working women who rely on public transport for daily travel. Better access to hospitals, government offices, markets, and public services. Support for women belonging to low-income and economically vulnerable households. Enhanced mobility and participation in social and economic activities. Promotion of women's empowerment through affordable public transportation. Convenient travel across both short-distance and long-distance state-operated bus routes. Safe and accessible transport support for women throughout the state. Eligibility The beneficiary must be a woman. The applicant should be a resident of West Bengal. Women travelling on eligible state-run bus services can avail the scheme benefits. The beneficiary must carry valid identity proof or the prescribed Smart Card, as applicable under the latest Government guidelines. Identity verification may be required while availing free travel benefits. Documents For beneficiary identification and Smart Card-related verification, women may be required to produce any valid Government-issued photo identity document. Aadhaar Card. EPIC / Voter Identity Card. Ration Card. Ayushman Bharat Card. Driving License. PAN Card. Indian Passport. Pension Identity Document with Photograph. Government or PSU Employee Identity Card. School, College, or University Identity Card. Recent Passport-Size Photograph. Note: The final document requirements for Smart Card verification are subject to instructions issued by the Transport Department, Government of West Bengal. WB Free Bus Travel Smart Card The Government of West Bengal will introduce a dedicated WB Free Bus Travel Smart Card (Pink Card) for women beneficiaries to streamline verification and ensure smooth implementation of the free travel scheme. The card serves as an official travel pass for availing fare-free journeys on eligible state-operated buses. The Smart Card is issued exclusively to eligible women beneficiaries. The card contains beneficiary identification details and a QR Code for verification purposes. It helps conductors quickly verify eligible passengers during travel. The card acts as proof of entitlement under the free bus travel scheme. Beneficiaries should keep the card safe and carry it while travelling. The Smart Card system is intended to improve transparency and reduce misuse of benefits. Process to Avail Benefits Board an eligible state-run bus operating under the scheme. Carry the prescribed identity proof or Smart Card as per the applicable guidelines. Present the document when requested by the conductor. Complete the beneficiary verification process. Obtain a Zero Value Ticket or free travel authorization, wherever applicable. Travel without paying the notified bus fare under the scheme. No separate fare payment is required from eligible women beneficiaries travelling under the scheme. Important Links West Bengal Transport Department West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) Transport Department Contact Details Contact Department: Transport Department, Government of West Bengal Official Website: transport.wb.gov.in Support & Contact Information: Available through the official Transport Department contact portal. FAQs 1. What is the West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women?It is a state government initiative that provides free travel facilities to eligible women travelling on state-run buses across West Bengal. 2. Who can avail benefits under the scheme?Women residing in West Bengal and travelling on eligible state-operated buses can avail the scheme benefits, subject to applicable verification requirements. 3. Is any fare required to be paid under the scheme?No. Eligible beneficiaries can travel without paying bus fare on covered state-run services. 4. Is online registration required for free bus travel?Beneficiaries are required to follow the verification process prescribed by the Government. Smart Card-related procedures are implemented as per official notifications. 5. What is the WB Free Bus Travel Smart Card?It is a beneficiary identification card introduced to verify eligible women and facilitate free travel under the scheme. 6. Which department is responsible for implementing the scheme?The scheme is administered by the Transport Department, Government of West Bengal.