Independence Day gift: Andhra to roll out free bus travel scheme for women on Aug 15

Amaravati : Call it an Independence Day gift, Andhra Pradesh will roll out a free bus travel scheme for women on August 15.

CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu will launch the Stree Shakti scheme at Pandit Nehru Bus Station, Vijayawada, on August 15.

CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu directed government officials to take all precautionary measures to ensure the smooth implementation of the scheme without any hold-ups.

He directed that with heavy passenger footfall expected after the launch of the scheme, traffic management must be efficient, capacity should be scaled up accordingly, and people’s safety should remain a priority.

He instructed that passengers must be treated politely and that there should be no inconvenience caused anywhere. The CM also stressed the need to collect regular feedback from passengers regarding the free bus travel scheme, so that improvements can be made accordingly. He also added that services should be provided through a service outsourcing agency.

Women, girls, and transgenders in Andhra Pradesh can travel free on 6,700 APSRTC buses (74% of the fleet).

Applicable on PalleVelugu, Ultra PalleVelugu, City Ordinary, Express, and Metro Express buses.

Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Ration Card) is required.

Not applicable to interstate, chartered, or tour services.

Safety initiatives include body cameras for female conductors and CCTV in buses.

Immediate Resolution of Issues :

“The GPS must be mandatorily enabled on ePOS machines so that passengers can be provided with real-time information, and the system should be integrated with RTGS. Any problems that arise should be resolved immediately. Bus stations must be maintained in the highest state of cleanliness, with garbage cleared regularly and toilets cleaned every two hours under constant supervision. Passengers should not face inconvenience at any point. RO water plants must be installed in all bus stations. Repair and painting works at bus stations, taken up at a cost of ₹30 crore, should be completed by December this year. New fans and chairs must be installed wherever required. RTC staff should be available at bus stations round-the-clock to assist passengers,” the CM said.

Preventing Breakdowns :

As additional bus services will be operated to meet increased demand, and to prevent breakdowns. Women will be able to travel across the state in Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, City Ordinary, Express, and Metro Express buses.

The software in ePOS machines will be updated by August 14 to issue zero-fare tickets. Staff training for the same has been completed.