Nepal introduces women-only bus service to prevent harassment

Cases of sexual harassment in public places and public transport are not exclusive to India. Many countries around the world face this issue and take various measures to combat this issue. One of our country’s neighbours, has recently taken a step in this direction as well. Nepal’ capital, Kathmandu, has recently started bus service exclusively for women to make commuting safe and secure for female passengers, who are often reported to face sexual assault on public transport.

This initiative was taken on by the Kathmandu's transport entrepreneurs and started by Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs. Launched yesterday, the four 16 seater mini-buses will operate on key routes in Kathmandu during morning and evening rush hour. Currently, the fare for minimum distance is Rs 14 and fare from Kalanki to Balkot is Rs 25.

According to Zee News, Bharat Nepal, president of the Bagmati Federation Transport Union said, "Groping and sexual assault is a problem for women who use buses, especially during peak hours when buses are overcrowded… this is our small initiative to make commuting safe and secure for female travelers."

This woman friendly bus has made women travelers really happy. One such traveler, Bindu Gyawali from Syuchatar, Kalanki told The Himalayan Times about the problems faced by women in buses. She said, “Though seats are allocated for women, we are not able to get them, especially during office hours when the buses are crowded.”

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