Issue ‘zero fare tickets’ for women ahead of free bus travel rollout on Aug 15: Andhra CM

Amaravati, Jul 21 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday directed officials to issue ‘zero fare tickets’ to women as part of the free bus travel scheme starting August 15, with details such as savings and other relevant information.

Reviewing the forthcoming scheme, Naidu instructed that the ‘zero fare tickets’ must include details such as the route travelled, the amount of money saved, and the full 100 per cent subsidy provided by the government, according to an official release.

The free bus travel scheme is part of the TDP’s ‘Super Six’ guarantees announced ahead of the 2024 elections.

“Issue ‘zero fare tickets’ to women passengers under the APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) free bus travel scheme set to be implemented from August 15. The ticket must include details such as the route travelled, the amount saved through the free service, and the full subsidy being offered by the government,” Naidu said.

He noted that issuing such tickets would help women clearly understand the benefit they are receiving.

Naidu also directed officials to develop the necessary software for implementing the system.

Further, the TDP supremo discussed the financial aspects of free bus travel schemes for women in other states and their potential cost in Andhra Pradesh.

As the scheme’s launch nears, the Chief Minister advised APSRTC to explore alternative revenue sources and reduce operational costs in order to become a profitable entity, it added.

He asked officials to prepare an action plan outlining potential revenue-generating methods and the policy measures required to implement them.

Additionally, Naidu instructed that only air-conditioned electric buses be procured in the future and that officials explore the feasibility of setting up charging stations at all APSRTC depots across the state. PTI STH SSK