APSRTC Employees To Launch Statewide Signature Campaign For More Buses And Staff
JAC conveners Y. Srinivasa Rao and Palisetti Damodara Rao said the campaign forms part of the second phase of the employees' agitation to strengthen the state-run transport corporation: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of APSRTC Employees' Unions has announced a state-wide signature campaign from July 20, seeking stronger government support for the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and the expansion of public transport services.
JAC conveners Y. Srinivasa Rao and Palisetti Damodara Rao said the campaign forms part of the second phase of the employees' agitation to strengthen the state-run transport corporation. They said the demand had gained urgency following the introduction of the Sthree Shakti free bus travel scheme, which has increased daily ridership by nearly 15 lakh passengers.
The JAC urged the government to introduce additional buses to meet the rising demand and improve passenger services across the state. The signatures collected during the campaign will be submitted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu through district collectors during the Grievance Day programme on July 27.
The employees' unions also demanded that electric buses be procured and operated by APSRTC instead of private operators. They sought the immediate recruitment of nearly 15,000 personnel, including drivers, conductors, mechanical staff and supervisory employees, to address acute staff shortages.
The JAC further called for enhanced financial support and adequate resources to strengthen APSRTC and improve its operational efficiency.
The conveners said the campaign was aimed at protecting public transport and making APSRTC a more efficient and accessible service. They added that the third phase of the agitation would be announced in Vijayawada on July 30.
