APSRTC buses a big hit in Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada: The high-end bus services of the APSRTC launched early this year, named after the state capital Amaravati, are bringing good returns to the organisation.

The multi-Axel airconditioned buses plying on long distance routes won the hearts of passengers. Despite facing tough competition from the private operators on busy routes, APSRTC was able to draw the attention of passengers by offering luxury services.

Out of the total 34 services 28 are doing well with more than 70 per cent occupancy ratio. Some of them recorded more than 90 per cent consistently. Two services starting from Vija-yawada at 2:30pm and 4:30pm which go to Bhel in Hyderabad, are getting more than 90 per cent occupancy consistently.

However, six long-distance services remain below the expected levels. The services between Vizag - Bhel, Vizag – Chennai, Tiru-pati – Bhel, Tirupati – Bengaluru, Narasara-opet – Vizag, Nellore – Chennai – Bhel services are yet to reach the break-even points.

Chief transport manager of APSRTC K.S. Brahmananda Reddy told Deccan Chronicle that the Amaravathi bus services are winning the hearts of the people. He said APSRTC took the initiative to meet the expectations of the people and it is giving dividends, most importantly people are satisfied with the service and comfort of the buses.

Though a few routes are running below expectations there is no need to worry as they are slowly picking up, said Mr Reddy. He said the average occupancy ratio of all Amaravati buses is more than 70 and they are closely monitoring the underperforming routes. He also said that they are also working on increasing the number of services. The pilot project to provide 250 television channels is on testing stage now and soon it will be implemented in all buses, he added.