Andhra Pradesh RTC’s Pushpak runs into losses

Hyderabad: The APSRTC’s airport liner ‘Pushpak’, has turned out to be a huge loss-making venture. After a recent hike in fare it is registering close to zero occupancy on certain days.

Despite the minimal occupancy, the AC bus keeps plying on the city roads leading to mounting losses and adding to traffic woes. With ticket cost at Rs 275 to Rs 350, people prefer cabs and taxis. Yet the authorities are incurring losses of 80 per cent of operational costs. In fact, earlier the RGIA authorities withdrew the aero-express services as it was not financially viable, before APSRTC brought in Pushpak. However  officials say  the cab preference over Pushpak is because of pick up and drop at the door step.

The APSRTC had even introduced a bus pass at Rs 2,000 per month for frequent travellers. It allows people to travel in all types of city buses operating in the twin cities.

Currently, the fare per ticket is between Rs 250 to Rs 350 depending on the pickup point. While this works better for a single passenger, in case of a group or a family cabs are a cheaper option for Rs 600 and Rs 1000 for four to five people. 

Moreover, as Pushpak offers a pickup or drop to the designated bus stops only, passengers need to take another vehicle up to their homes increasing costs. “So on some days we are able to go up to 50 per cent occupancy, while on others we cannot even get 20 per cent and on some stretches it is completely empty. and the tough competition is pushing Pushpak to the brink,” said an official.