India, Dec. 26 -- Several Indian states now provide fare-free bus travel for women, and this has a measurable impact on labour force participation, health-seeking behaviour and overall mobility, studies show.

But that is not enough. Buses and other modes of public transport are overcrowded, street sexual harassment is common, and women face hostility from male passengers and staff for being beneficiaries of perceived freebies.

In addition, the schedules of public transport are often dictated by peak hours, while many women need to travel at off-peak hours-and in patterns distinct from men. Addressing these problems can help more women benefit from free bus travel.

Women are more dependent on public transport than men, a December 2017 s...