India is a conservative society. Women are 50% of the vote bank. They actually vote in larger numbers compared to men in many constituencies. They manage households and are very quick to notice price increases etc. The free bus rides and cash handouts are basically a transparent attempt to buy their vote. It is what it is.

This happened post COVID - to help poor. A few states did that - saw electoral gains. It is not nationwide.

There is also a misconception. It is not in all public transport. In TN state, it is on select buses - slower buses only.