Free travel for women in RTC buses in a month’s time, says AP minister
Vijayawada: The Telugu Desam-led Andhra Pradesh government would introduce the ‘free travel for women’ system in APSRTC buses within a month’s time, as per the party’s election promise.
Transport minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy stated this during his visit to the Pandit Nehru Bus Station here on Thursday. He said Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is overseeing the plans plans to implement this promise.
He said a team of officials would study the system’s implementation in Karnataka and Telangana and frame the plan for AP.
APSRTC sources say free ride for women in state-run buses has been in vogue in Tamil Nadu and Delhi too, apart from Karnataka and Telangana.
The basic norm was to allow free travel within the territorial limits of the state, with no restriction on distance. However, in some states, free travel is allowed only in ordinary and express buses. Zero-fare tickets will be issued to the passengers subject to periodical reimbursement to the RTC from the state government.
Women passengers have to present a valid photo-ID card to avail free travel just as a concessional fare is fixed for students in all states. Free travel will be allowed only to the residents of the state.
The sources say that there are complaints of non-availability of space in the buses for men due to more women travelling in urban centres. In such situations, working women who earn salary unjustifiably take advantage of the free ride, it is pointed out.
The AP scheme would be finalised after studying the details from other states. A senior official from the APSRTC said, “We are awaiting order from the state government to take up a study in other states.”
The transport minister, during his first review after taking charge of the department, interacted with the passengers and checked the maintenance of the bus station. He also inspected the cargo booking centre.
Ramprasad Reddy told the media that new buses including electric buses would be purchased by the government. He warned of stern action against those who abuse RTC assets and also those who intend to encroach upon them.
