AP getting ready to launch free bus for women, strategising to overcome hurdles, To entail an additional burden of Rs.1942 crore per annum on APSRTC

Andhra Pradesh Government is gearing up to address the challenges posed by free travel for women and transgenders in APSRTC buses being launched on August 15 under the name 'Stree Shakti..

The scheme, one of the key promises part of 'Super Six Guarantees' was made by the TDP-led NDA alliance ahead of general elections last year. The scheme in addition to entailing a financial burden of Rs.1942 crore per annum, will also pose hurdles like overcrowding, safety concerns, fleet management and route congestion.

APSRTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao said they are prioritising various issues to make the ride in RTC buses by the beneficiaries a smooth and comfortable experience as per directions being given by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He told Bizz Buzz that they have plans to augment the existing fleet and obtain 1,000 electric buses to ply in urban areas. He said vacant posts in the corporation are also being filled to ensure better maintenance of the buses.

Naidu during the recent Cabinet meeting instructed his Ministerial colleagues to hold talks with auto rickshaw operators to address their concerns like loss of income keeping in view the experiences faced in Telangana and other States.

The scheme is expected to increase the occupancy rate from the present 69% to 95 to 100% in a few days, according to a study made by RTC causing route congestion and additional cost burden on operation and maintenance of buses.

At a review meeting, RTC officials decided to introduce smart cards to the beneficiaries and restrict inter-district travel. Free Bus Fare Tickets will be issued for travel in Palle Velugu, Ultra Velugu, City Ordinary, Express and Metro Express buses. Travel will not be allowed in non-stop and Luxury buses.

As part of the Coalition Government’s “Super Six” promises, the free bus travel promise given to women will be inaugurated on Independence Day. Strong measures have been taken to effectively implement this scheme. With a population of 5.25 crore in the state, there are 2.62 crore women among them. Under this scheme, women, girls, and transgenders belonging to the State have been provided the opportunity to travel free . Facilities have been provided to travel on PalleVelugu, Ultra Pallebelugu, City Ordinary, Express, Metro Express services. To avail this facility, they need to show Aadhaar, Voter, or Ration cards as ID proofs.

Out of the buses in the State, 74% of buses, meaning 6,700, will provide free travel facilities for women and transgenders. The implementation of this scheme will cost Rs. 162 crores per month, approximately Rs.1,942 crores per year, benefiting about 26.95 lakh people daily in the State. This year, measures have been taken to purchase an additional three thousand -buses, and in the next two years, another 1,400 electric buses will be purchased. Recruitment of drivers and mechanics will also be undertaken according to demand.

"In implementing this scheme, the government will place great emphasis on the safety of women and girls by providing body cameras to female conductors and installing CC cameras in buses. Similarly, basic facilities like fans and good water facilities will also be provided at bus stations. Through the implementation of this scheme, in addition to the 16.11 lakh people already using transport services, an estimated 10.84 lakh more people will have the opportunity to use them. Thereby, 142 lakh women will utilise this free bus facility annually.," Minister for Information & Public Relations Kolusu Parthasarathy, said.