Over 50.45 Crore Avail Free APSRTC Bus Travel
According to RTC, some 50.45 crore passengers have availed free bus travel from the launch of the scheme till March 15: Reports
KURNOOL: The AP government’s flagship ‘free bus travel’ Stree Shakti scheme has recorded a massive public response, boosted ridership and improved service utilisation.
The initiative, part of the alliance government’s super-six promises to the electorate, ensures free travel for women and girls. This, alliance claims, is bringing noticeable socio-economic changes by enhancing access for women to employment and education.
According to RTC, some 50.45 crore passengers have availed free bus travel from the launch of the scheme till March 15. The State government has extended a subsidy of ₹1,775 crore to RTC for the scheme’s implementation.
The impact is visible in travel patterns. Women’s share in bus travel has risen sharply from 40 per cent to 63 per cent. Daily ridership among women has increased from 9.47 lakh to 25.11 lakh.
On several routes, buses are now predominantly occupied by women passengers. “The overall occupancy ratio has improved from 69 per cent to 84 per cent, reflecting higher utilisation of services,” said a senior RTC official from the Kurnool region.
Occupancy in Stree Shakti services has touched 93 per cent, indicating the growing popularity of the scheme, he added.
To cope with the rising demand, the RTC has undertaken several operational improvements. In the initial days, heavy rush led to seat shortages for male passengers. The corporation responded by streamlining services, accepting soft copy identity cards for convenience, and deploying additional buses on high-demand routes.
RTC staff were sensitised through awareness programmes, while maintenance systems were strengthened to ensure near-zero breakdowns despite record passenger volumes.
RTC has been operating 1,413 additional trips daily, extending services by 64,647km, using the existing fleet.
Beneficiaries say the scheme has provided them a big relief. “Free bus travel has been a big support for our families. We use the service daily and even manage small businesses by travelling frequently,” said L Vasundhara, a homemaker from Rajampet.
At the same time, officials say the rising occupancy has created challenges, but, “We are continuously upgrading passenger amenities to meet the growing demand.”
Across the state, 71 RO water plants have been installed at bus stations, while renovation of toilets is under way at 152 bus stations with an allocation of ₹24 crore.
However, some passengers have expressed their concern. “Though women’s occupancy has increased, those of us who buy tickets are often unable to find seats. At times, buses do not even stop as they are full,” said N Sudhakar from Allagadda.
* Scheme Performance Details
* Parameter - Details
Beneficiaries - 50.45 crore
Government Subsidy - ₹1,775 crore
Women’s Share in Travel - 40% to 63%
Daily Women Ridership - 9.47 lakh to 25.11 lakh
Overall Occupancy Ratio - 69% to 84%
Stree Shakti Occupancy - 93%
