AP to launch free bus travel for women, transpersons from August 15

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government will roll out its free bus travel scheme for women and transgender persons from August 15, fulfilling one of the key promises under the ‘Super Six’ guarantees of the coalition government.

In a press meet held on Monday, State Minister for Transport, Youth, and Sports Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy announced the launch.

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana as case studies

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has directed that the scheme be implemented efficiently and without any shortcomings. To ensure proper execution, a team of three ministers visited Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana—States already implementing similar schemes—and submitted a detailed report based on their findings.

The proposal will be formally approved at the Cabinet meeting scheduled for August 6.

Scheme Highlights:

Beneficiaries: Women and transgender persons residing in Andhra Pradesh.

Travel Scope: Free travel permitted in Rural, Ultra Rural, City Ordinary, Express and Metro Express buses.

Eligibility Verification: Passengers must carry a valid Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Ration Card as proof of identity and residency.

Coverage: The scheme will apply to 74 per cent of the APSRTC fleet, covering around 6,700 buses.

Estimated Annual Cost: Rs 1,950 crore to the State exchequer.

The minister also shared plans to expand and modernise the State’s transport network. In this direction, the government will procure 3,000 electric buses this year, with an additional 1,400 electric buses to be added over the next two years. Recruitment of drivers and mechanics will also be undertaken to support this expansion.