Private bus drivers and conductors staged a protest in Salem on Tuesday to condemn the expansion of free travel for women on government buses.On Monday, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced the expansion of free travel for women on government buses. Condemning the announcement, drivers and conductors of more than 30 private buses plying to Attur, Vazhapadi and Kallakurichi from Salem New Bus Stand staged a protest on Tuesday. They raised slogans demanding cancellation of the expansion. They alleged that the free travel provided on town buses has already caused private buses to sustain losses. If the scheme is expanded, it will further affect private buses. The private bus operators are willing to allow free travel for women if the government provides subsidies to private buses, they added. Published - August 25, 2026 09:11 pm IST