TGSRTC hikes Hyderabad bus fares, commuters slam poor services

Hyderabad: The Telangana government’s decision to revise city bus fares has drawn strong criticism from commuters. Citizens are urging the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) to prioritize improving services before imposing higher fares.

Many residents have called for at least 5,000 city buses to operate within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, pointing out that the current fleet is inadequate to meet the city’s growing public transport needs.

Fare hike details

TGSRTC has announced that the increase will affect all city services, including regular and electric buses: City Ordinary, Metro Express, e-Ordinary, e-Express: Rs 5 extra for the first three stages; Rs 10 from the fourth stage onward. Metro Deluxe, e-Metro AC services: Rs 5 for the first stage; Rs 10 from the second stage onward.

Commuters vent frustration online

Passengers have taken to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express anger and frustration. Many criticized poor maintenance, long waiting times, and inadequate facilities, questioning how fare hikes can be justified without addressing these basic issues.

Citizens Suggest Alternatives

Ajay Reddy: Suggested increasing road tax and vehicle registration charges instead of bus fares, warning that higher fares may push people back to private vehicles, worsening traffic and pollution.

K Murali: Questioned whether the fare increase for funding new electric buses is fair, noting it could complicate traffic management further.

KK Mohan: Criticized the poor upkeep of buses, bus stands, shelters, and depots, calling for a comprehensive maintenance and cleanliness plan.

Debate over Free Travel Scheme for Women

The fare hike has reignited discussions around the government’s free bus travel scheme for women. Citizens demand a clear explanation of how the RTC plans to justify fare increases after extending free rides to a large section of commuters.

“Green Buses First” – Netizens Demand Action

Responding to the RTC’s claim that the hike supports electric and green buses, commuters argued that these vehicles should first appear on the roads before passengers are asked to share the cost.

Impact on Lower-Income Groups

“Hyderabad already has the highest city bus fares in India, and this hike will make them even more unaffordable. The burden will fall heaviest on lower-income groups,” said Anil Kumar Malviya. Sai Ratna Chaitanya added that citing upstream infrastructure development as justification for the increase is surprising.

Political Criticism Intensifies

Jagruthi chief Kalvakuntla Kavitha slammed the hike, accusing CM A. Revanth Reddy of “burdening ordinary citizens.” Posting on X, she said the government is “emptying people’s pockets” under the pretext of the ‘Green Journey’ initiative, hitting daily commuters and petty workers the hardest.

TGSRTC explains the Rationale

TGSRTC officials said the fare revision is part of the government’s plan to replace diesel buses with 2,800 electric buses by 2027 within Outer Ring Road limits. The move aims to curb air pollution, ease traffic congestion, and promote clean, green public transport. Currently, 265 e-buses operate across six depots in Greater Hyderabad, with an additional 275 buses expected this year.