EThames Business School Students Propose Solutions for Safer, Dignified Bus Travel for Women

Hyderabad, July 17, 2025:With Telangana’s free bus travel scheme for women seeing widespread success, a new study by students from EThames Business School shines light on the commuting experience — not to find fault, but to find ways forward. Their core message: “When a free ride sparks a fight, what commuters truly need is respect.”

The initiative titled ‘Public Transport Pride’ explores how public transport, especially TSRTC buses, can become symbols of shared civic pride and mutual respect. The study acknowledges that while access has increased for women, travel dignity, comfort, and safety still remain challenges.

Key Findings:

Conducted over 43 days, the student-led study:

• Surveyed 480 women across Hyderabad

• Conducted 20+ interviews along high-density bus routes

• Found that 52% experienced discomfort, but only 23% were aware of safety tools such as helplines or complaint apps

• Highlighted concerns including overcrowding, undertrained staff, and lack of visible complaint mechanisms

  
  

Recommendations for a Safer, More Respectful Ride:

Rather than assign blame, the team proposes practical, implementable solutions to improve the commuter experience:

• Gender Sensitivity Training for RTC staff

• QR-code-based Complaint Systems in buses and terminals

• Better Lighting & Toilets at key bus stops

• Women-only Buses during peak hours

• Bystander Intervention Training for passengers

• Collaborative Policing with plainclothes and uniformed security staff

  
  

Public-Facing Campaign Ideas:

To complement operational changes, students also suggest behavior change through public awareness initiatives:

• #MySafeSeat – Real stories from women commuters

• Ride With Respect – Messaging across buses and terminals

• SHE Can Travel – Positive testimonies post-upgrades

• Bus Buddy Program – Student/senior volunteers during rush hours

• Know Your Rights Cards – Helpline & safety info on every bus

  
  

Study Team & Mentorship:

The study was conducted by Divya Bengani, Mishika Chirag Kotecha, Drishti Jain, Syed Osman Ali, and Sayam Jain, under the mentorship of Dr. Sahera Fatima and Dr. Naga Lakshmi Kundeti, Assistant Professors at EThames Business School.

V.C. Sajjanar, IPS, Vice Chairman & MD, TGSRTC said:“TGSRTC is fully committed to women’s safety and dignity. We appreciate the EThames study and are already addressing many of these concerns — including crew training, bus tracking apps, safety helplines, and increased frequency.”

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 commitment to make public spaces inclusive and secure.”

The students also shared international strategies worth adapting:

• France: Night-stop requests for women passengers

• Brazil: Real-time reporting apps linked to transit police

• Japan & Colombia: Women-only compartments during peak hours

• Sweden: Gender-segregated data to design safer routes

• Singapore: AI surveillance combined with law enforcement