Public Transport is for us, and we must own it and deal with it accordingly to make it a pleasant experience for all
Hyderabad, July 17, 2025 — As women across Telangana embrace the free bus travel scheme in record numbers, a group of young researchers from EThames Business School is urging a deeper look into the commuting experience, not to find fault, but to find ways forward. Their message is clear: when a free ride sparks a fight, what commuters truly need is respect.
Recent viral videos of seat-related disputes among women commuters in TSRTC buses highlight the growing demand for public transport infrastructure, particularly during peak hours. The study by EThames students emphasises that these are not just isolated clashes, but reflections of the need for greater support systems, awareness, and shared commuter responsibility.
Public transport is more than just mobility — it’s a lifeline for millions. Telangana’s RTC operates over 9,000 buses daily, serving more than 40 lakh commuters across Telangana, a significant proportion of them women. The free travel scheme has empowered countless women with newfound independence and access to education, work, and healthcare.
However, with the rise in ridership, the challenges of overcrowding, comfort, and safety also increase. This study by EThames aims to make a positive contribution to existing efforts by highlighting practical, implementable suggestions to improve travel dignity for all.
The Key Findings from the EThames Study. The study was conducted over 43 days, and the student-led study surveyed 480 women and held 20+ interviews across bus routes in Hyderabad. While 52% of the surveyed respondents reported experiencing discomfort, only 23% were aware of or had used safety tools, such as apps or helplines. Key concerns included overcrowding, undertrained staff, and limited complaint visibility.
Rather than place blame, the students propose enhancements to the existing system to make public transport more respectful and responsive.
The recommendations for a safer, inclusive ride include Gender sensitivity training for RTC staff, QR-code-based complaint systems in buses and terminals, Improved lighting and clean toilets at key bus stops, Women-only buses during peak hours, and Bystander training to empower fellow commuters and Collaborative policing with plainclothes and uniformed staff
The research, instead of just highlighting problems, came out with a lot of suggestions, initiatives and ideas. Some of their suggestions include running a campaign to foster Respect. To complement operational changes, the team also recommends public-facing campaigns:
#MySafeSeat: Real experiences from women commuters
- Ride With Respect: Visual messaging across buses and bus stands
- SHE Can Travel: Testimonies from women who benefit from safety upgrades
- Bus Buddy Program: Student or senior volunteers ride alongside during peak hours
- Know Your Rights Cards: Helpline info in every bus
The study was conducted by students Divya Bengani, Mishika Chirag Kotecha, Drishti Jain, Syed Osman Ali, and Sayam Jain, under the guidance of Dr. Sahera Fatima and Dr. Naga Lakshmi Kundeti, Assistant Professors at EThames.
“Respect is the ticket every commuter should carry,” the students insist. No one is safe unless everyone is safe, they add.
V.C. Sajjanar, IPS, Vice Chairman & MD of TGSRTC, welcomed the insights and said, “TGSRTC is fully committed to strengthening women’s safety and dignity. We appreciate the EThames study, and many of its suggestions are already being addressed — from increasing bus frequency to crew training, safety helplines, CCTV, bus tracking apps, and collaboration with SHE Teams. Continuous improvement remains our priority.”
Shikha Goel, IPS, Director General, Women Safety Wing (SHE Teams & Bharosa), added: “Every woman deserves to travel freely and fearlessly. This study offers a roadmap to help achieve that, reinforcing our mission to make public spaces safer and more inclusive.”
Several countries offer innovative solutions worth emulating, the students suggest. France allows women to request on-demand night stops closer to home. Brazil’s real-time reporting apps link directly to transit police. Japan and Colombia offer women-only compartments or buses during peak hours. Sweden uses gender-disaggregated data to design safer routes and better-lit stops. Singapore combines AI-driven surveillance with strict law enforcement. These strategies show that behavioral change, design innovation, and tech integration can go hand-in-hand.
Several Indian states have adopted safety initiatives like Pink Buses (Delhi), women-only seats (Bengaluru), and compartments (Mumbai); these remain isolated efforts, not national norms. SHE Teams and free rides for women by SCSC in IT Corridors of Cyberabad are commendable, but systemic challenges like overcrowding, undertrained staff, and limited awareness still prevail.
Let’s together contribute and build a pleasant public transport experience for all.