Now, women conductors on private buses in Kochi

KOCHI: In a first of its kind initiative, women conductors began working on selected private bus routes in the district. Lini M.K., a 23-year-old from Thuthiyoor, has been appointed as the first woman conductor of 'Cochin' a private bus plying in the Kakkanad- Ernakulam route. District collector M.G Rajamanickam, who proposed the idea, inaugurated the project on Monday by accepting the first ticket from Lini. The initiative started by the Motor Vehicle Department in association with Kudumbasree Mission aims at avoiding the ongoing friction between private bus operators and passengers, especially students and to change the image of private bus conductors in the city.

As many as 94 women selected by the Kudumbasree Mission have been given a licence after being given training to don the role of bus conductors, a most challenging job. More appointments will be made after surveying which of the buses have a conductor shortage. “On Monday, 24 women joined duty. Once they get sufficient experience, their service will be expanded to all city routes. The private bus operators’ associations have agreed to make necessary arrangements for the smooth and safe service of women conductors,” said RTO Sadiq Ali.

“Three women conductors have been appointed in the city services while the rest will be inducted in buses plying in rural areas. Women will be inducted in the routes where there is less competition and the trips end by 8 PM. We plan to appoint the women in buses which ply close to their native place,” added the RTO. The private bus owners have extended support to the initiative and promised better wages for them. District Kudumbasree coordinator Tanny Thomas, Enforcement RTO Suresh, motor vehicle inspectors and representatives of bus operators associations attended the inauguration.