APSRTC May Need 2,000 Buses for Free Travel Scheme for Women

Before coming to power, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh pledged to provide free bus travel for women in its election manifesto. Following this promise, government officials have conducted preliminary studies and submitted a report on the feasibility of implementing this scheme. Additionally, a ministerial subcommittee, led by Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, has been formed to review the details of similar free bus schemes implemented in other states and examine the findings of the preliminary report.

Currently, around 44 lakh passengers travel daily via APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) buses, with 27 lakh purchasing tickets each day. Of these, approximately 24 lakh use premium services such as super luxury and air-conditioned buses, a figure expected to rise by an additional 10 lakh passengers in the near future.

Women constitute 40% of APSRTC's daily ridership, while men account for 60%. The current overall occupancy rate of APSRTC buses stands at 69%. Officials estimate that the occupancy rate could increase to 95% if the free bus travel scheme is implemented. However, this growth would necessitate a significant expansion of resources. It is estimated that over 2,000 additional buses and approximately 11,500 new personnel—including drivers, conductors, and mechanics—would be required to meet the anticipated demand.

Presently, APSRTC generates daily revenues of ₹16–17 crore, of which ₹6–7 crore comes from women passengers. Implementing the free travel scheme could result in a daily revenue loss of approximately ₹6–7 crore, equating to an estimated ₹200 crore per month.

The ministerial subcommittee is expected to submit its report, considering these financial and logistical challenges, before the government makes a final decision on implementing the scheme.