APSRTC to operate 6,795 special bus services for Sankranti festival season

VIJAYAWADA: The APSRTC will operate 6,795 special bus services for the Sankranti festival season from January 6 to 14 and January 16 to 18. A total of 3,570 bus services will be operated before the festival and 3,225 bus services after the festival.

The corporation would offer a 10 per cent discount on Sankranti for the ticket bookings.

APSRTC managing director Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said the RTC would collect normal fares for the special services. Of a total of 6,795 special services before the festival, 3,570 services would be run with 1,600 buses from Hyderabad, 250 from Bangalore, 40 from Chennai, 300 from Vijayawada, 290 from Visakhapatnam, 230 from Rajamahendravaram and 70 buses from Tirupati.

Some 3,225 bus services would be operated after the festival.

The MD said the special bus services will be run from January 6 to 14. After Sankrati, the special services will be operated from January 16 to 18.

So far, advance reservation was completed for all normal bus services from January 10 to 13. “To clear the festival rush, RTC will run special bus services. For tickets, a 10 per cent concession will be given for both ways.

“RTC is collecting normal charges even for the special buses. With this initiative, the corporation is registering more income. Other state corporations are sending their representatives to observe APSRTCs' decisions,” he said.

APSRTC will arrange special staff at bus stops in Hyderabad to assist the passengers. Passengers can get information 24x7 by calling number 0866-257005 while the 149 call centre is also available.