TGSRTC AC buses on high-demand routes like Patancheru and the IT corridor record 70–80% occupancy as officials consider service expansion following metro fare hike.
Hyderabad: After the metro rail’s fare hike, TGSRTC Greater Hyderabad Zone has started analysing commuter demand patterns to tap the passengers who could opt for bus travel. The state-owned bus operator is now considering increasing the number of air-conditioned buses on high-demand routes.
Currently, the fare for air-conditioned city buses operated by RTC starts at Rs 15 for a minimum of two stops and goes up to Rs 60. Compared to this, the maximum fare for a metro journey is Rs 75.
Officials from the Greater Hyderabad Zone pointed out that high-revenue routes for AC buses include 218 and 219 (with sub-routes), running between LB Nagar and Patancheru, Koti and Patancheru, and Secunderabad and Patancheru.
Additionally, there is strong demand on routes such as 216 (Koti to Patancheru via Mehdipatnam), 217 (CBS to Patancheru via Mehdipatnam), and 10H (Secunderabad to Kondapur).
They also noted that long-distance travellers prefer these air-conditioned services, given that the maximum fare is just `60 and offers a comfortable journey.
Currently, there are 37 air-conditioned buses operating in the city, excluding those operating Airport Pushpak services. Occupancy rates for AC buses range between 70 per cent and 80 per cent, indicating their growing popularity.
Officials also highlighted that Cyber Liner buses operating in the IT corridor — from Raidurg to Wave Rock — have been extended up to the US Consulate. These buses primarily serve employees in the IT sector, offering them a reliable and air-conditioned commute.
