AP Issues Modalities for Free Bus Travel for Women

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has issued modalities for free bus travel for women under the Stree Shakti Scheme.

The government order was issued by principal secretary to the transport department Kanthilal Dande here on Monday. The scheme would be implemented across the state from August 15.

All girls, women and transgenders with domicile status in AP can avail the benefit. They must carry with them valid ID proof.

The scheme would use the existing fleet of buses. Depending on the requirement and response, additional buses would be procured and run. The scheme will be implemented only services like Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallivelugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express and Express. It is not applicable for all non-stop services, inter-state services of any category, contract carriage services, chartered services and package tours.

The order said, “The scheme is not applicable for Saptagiri Express, Ultra Deluxe, Super Luxury, Star Liner and all AC services.”

Security of the women passengers shall be the top priority. Supply of body-worn cameras to all women conductors and installation of CC cameras in all buses may be contemplated. Public amenities like fans, chairs, drinking water and toilet facilities would be improved in all bus stations.

“The procurement of electric buses and extension of the scheme to electric buses may be considered subject to Cabinet’s approval. Eligible women travellers would be issued zero fare tickets and the government would reimburse the expenditure to APSRTC based on the claim of zero fare tickets, the order said.