West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women 2026: Free Rides in State Run Buses from June 1

The West Bengal Government has announced a major welfare initiative for women by introducing free travel in all state-run buses across the state from 1 June 2026. The scheme aims to improve women’s mobility, reduce transportation expenses, and encourage greater use of public transport.

According to an official notification issued by the Transport Department on 21 May 2026, women commuters will be eligible for free travel in both short-route and long-route state government buses operating within West Bengal.

West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme 2026 Overview

Particulars	Details
Scheme Name	West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women
State	West Bengal
Department	Transport Department
Beneficiaries	Women Residents of the state
Benefit	Free travel in state-run buses
Covered Buses	Short-route and long-route government buses
Effective Date	1 June 2026
Application Process	Through BDO and SDO offices
Card Type	Smart Card with QR Code

Official Notification Released

The West Bengal Transport Department has released the official notification regarding free transportation of women in all state-run buses.

Notification Details

• Notification No.: 1723-WT/TPT/18011/30/2026
• Date: 21/05/2026

Official Website: West Bengal Transport Department

What is the West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme?

Under this scheme, women passengers will be allowed to travel free of cost in buses operated by state transport authorities in West Bengal. The initiative is expected to benefit lakhs of women who travel daily for work, education, healthcare, and other purposes.

The scheme will apply to:

• State-run short-route buses
• State-run long-route buses
• Government-operated transport corporation buses

Smart Card for Women Beneficiaries

The government will issue a smart card to eligible women beneficiaries for availing the facility regularly. The smart card will contain:

• QR code
• Beneficiary photograph
• Personal identification details

Women can apply for the smart card through:

• Block Development Officer (BDO) offices
• Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) offices

Documents Accepted for Smart Card Application

Applicants can submit any of the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID / EPIC
• WB-GRAMG Job Card
• Ayushman Bharat Health Card
• Driving Licence
• PAN Card
• Passport
• Pension document with photograph
• Central or State Government employee ID card
• PSU identity card
• School, college, or university identity card

Free Travel Before Smart Card Distribution

The Transport Department clarified that women passengers can start using the free travel facility even before the smart cards are issued.

Until the smart card distribution process is completed, women can travel free by showing valid photo identity proof such as:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID
• Driving Licence
• PAN Card
• Passport
• Government-issued service identity card

After verification of identity documents, bus conductors will issue “zero value tickets” to women passengers.

Benefits of the Scheme

The scheme is expected to provide several benefits:

• Reduced daily travel expenses
• Better access to education and employment
• Improved public transport accessibility
• Greater mobility for women in rural and urban areas
• Support for women's empowerment and independence

How to Apply for the Smart Card?

Eligible women can apply through their nearest:

• BDO office
• SDO office

Applicants should carry valid identity proof and other supporting documents during the application process.

The state government may release detailed application guidelines and timelines soon.

FAQs

Q1. When will the West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme start?
The scheme will come into effect from 1 June 2026.

Q2. Who is eligible for free bus travel?
Women residents of West Bengal will be eligible for free travel in state-run buses.

Q3. Is the smart card compulsory from the beginning?
No. Women can initially use valid photo identity documents to avail free travel.

Q4. Which buses are covered under the scheme?
Both short-route and long-route state government buses are included.

Q5. Where can women apply for the smart card?
Applications can be submitted through BDO and SDO offices.

Conclusion

The West Bengal Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women 2026 is an important initiative aimed at making public transport more affordable and accessible for women across the state. From 1 June 2026, women passengers will be able to travel free in state-run buses by showing valid identity proof, while QR-based smart cards will be issued gradually through local administrative offices.