The TDP-JSP-BJP alliance recently announced the implementation of a free bus scheme for women, starting on August 15. This initiative, a key promise in their manifesto, aims to provide free transportation for women using APSRTC buses. However, this scheme is expected to place a significant financial burden on the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), amounting to Rs. 250 crores per month.
APSRTC officials have conducted a detailed study of similar schemes in Telangana and Karnataka. They examined which buses are covered, how the financial burden is managed, and other operational details. Their findings will be discussed with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in a review meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
Currently, about 36-37 lakh people use RTC buses daily, with 40% being women. This means around 15 lakh women will benefit from the free bus scheme. In Telangana, the scheme applies to Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, Express buses in rural areas, and city ordinary and metro express buses in urban areas. In Karnataka, it covers express services in rural areas and Bengaluru city services.
APSRTC plans to implement a similar approach, providing free rides on Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, Express services, and city ordinary and metro services in Vijayawada and Vishakapatnam. In Telangana and Karnataka, officials issue zero-fare tickets for women, recording the actual ticket value to calculate the total subsidy amount. These states have seen bus occupancy rates rise from 65-70% to 95% following the scheme’s implementation.
Currently, APSRTC earns about Rs. 500 crores monthly from ticket sales, with Rs. 250 crores spent on diesel. As the government covers employee salaries, APSRTC remits 25% of its income, around Rs. 125 crores, to the government each month. After the scheme’s implementation, APSRTC will retain this amount, and the government will only need to reimburse Rs. 125 crores.
The review meeting will address these details and set guidelines for the scheme’s rollout.
