NGTV NEWS ENGLISH EXCLUSIVE — EPISODE 2 OF OUR BELOVED ROMI N AAVI
THIS TIME: FREE BUS TICKETS FOR WOMEN IN WEST BENGAL
BENEFIT OR POLITICAL DEBATE?
ROMI: Aavi, serious question today. What do you think about free bus travel for women in West Bengal?
AAVI: Very serious question. Especially because we’re discussing it while travelling in a luxury bus to Digha. Timing couldn’t be more perfect.
ROMI: Exactly! And don’t even think about asking me to pay for your ticket.
AAVI: Wait, why am I paying?
ROMI: Because you’re sitting next to me. That’s already an expensive privilege.
AAVI: Oh! So the government gives women free tickets and Romi gives herself a VIP seat?
ROMI: Naturally. I have standards.
AAVI: Coming back to the topic—free bus travel for women can be a meaningful step if it genuinely makes public transport more affordable and accessible.
ROMI: Absolutely. For students, working women, domestic workers and women travelling for essential work, even small daily travel costs can add up significantly.
AAVI: Exactly. If a woman spends ₹30–₹50 every day on transport, that’s a considerable monthly expense.
ROMI: And sometimes the choice isn’t between luxury and economy. It’s between going somewhere and staying home.
AAVI: Now that’s an important point.
ROMI: See? I occasionally say intelligent things.
AAVI: Occasionally? I thought you were waiting for a government notification to make that permanent.
ROMI: AAVI!
AAVI: Sorry, Madam Free-Ticket Minister.
ROMI: Hmm. At least I have a ministry. You only have a coffee cup.
AAVI: Fair enough.
ROMI: But here’s my concern. A free-ticket policy sounds wonderful, but who pays for it?
AAVI: Exactly. Nothing is actually “free” from the government’s perspective. The cost ultimately has to be funded through the public budget.
ROMI: So the real question isn’t simply free or not free. It’s whether the scheme is financially sustainable and properly implemented.
AAVI: And whether bus operators receive timely reimbursement, buses remain reliable and overcrowding doesn’t increase.
ROMI: Plus, women need more than free rides ,safe buses, proper lighting, functioning CCTV, responsible staff and reliable services.
AAVI: Look at you. You sound like a transport policy expert.
ROMI: Don’t flirt with my intellectual abilities.
AAVI: I wasn’t flirting.
ROMI: Your eyebrows were.
AAVI: My eyebrows have been framed!
ROMI: Good. Let them remain in custody.
AAVI: But seriously, affordability can encourage more women to travel for education, employment and healthcare.
ROMI: Yes. Economic independence often begins with something as basic as being able to travel independently.
AAVI: And if more women use public transport, the system must be prepared for the increased demand.
ROMI: So, Aavi, your verdict?
AAVI: Free or subsidised bus travel for women can be a positive welfare measure, but it should come with proper funding, accountability, safety and efficient transport services.
ROMI: Mine is simpler.
AAVI: Of course it is.
ROMI: Free ticket? Good. Safe journey? Essential.
AAVI: That’s actually quite good.
ROMI: I know.
AAVI: Can I quote you?
ROMI: Only if you buy me coffee.
AAVI: We’re already on a luxury bus.
ROMI: Then buy me a luxury coffee.
AAVI: Madam, you’re more expensive than the entire transport policy!
ROMI: And yet you’re still sitting beside me.
AAVI: Touché.
ROMI: AAVI!
AAVI: ROMI!
VERDICT
ROMI: If free bus travel helps women travel freely, safely and independently—
AAVI: —then it’s more than a free ticket.
ROMI: It’s an opportunity.
AAVI: Provided the system can sustain it.
ROMI: And provided you stop stealing my coffee.
AAVI: That, Madam, is a completely separate government investigation.
ROMI: Investigation rejected. Pay the fine.
AAVI: How much?
ROMI: One coffee.
AAVI: Again?!
ROMI: Democracy, Aavi. Democracy. 😏🚌❤️
