- Free bus travel scheme in Andhra Pradesh will start from August 15, limited only within district boundaries.
- Women can travel free only up to their own district; beyond that, tickets are mandatory.
- Concerns raised about scheme’s benefits being limited due to new district divisions impacting travel ease.
Andhra Pradesh government is all set to launch the free bus travel scheme from August 15 as part of its Super Six promises. This scheme aims to benefit women by providing free bus travel services; however, there is a key condition that might affect its overall usefulness. The scheme’s free travel benefit is confined strictly to travel within the same district. Crossing district boundaries means passengers will have to pay for their tickets.
Eligibility and Scope of Free Bus Travel Scheme in Andhra Pradesh
Under this scheme, women residents can enjoy free bus rides, but only within their district limits, as per the government’s current guidelines. This means if you are traveling from one town to another within the same district, your bus journey will be free. However, if your journey involves crossing into another district, you will be required to purchase a ticket.
For example, traveling from Visakhapatnam to Vizianagaram is free only up to Tagarapuvalasa town within the Visakhapatnam district. Beyond this point, passengers need to buy tickets. Similarly, commuting from Anakapalle to places beyond Gajuwaka requires paying the fare as it involves crossing district boundaries. And with the division of Vizianagaram district into smaller parts, these travel limits have become even more restrictive.
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Concerns and Discussions on Scheme’s Practical Benefits
Since Andhra Pradesh’s old 13 districts have been reorganized into 26 smaller districts, questions have arisen regarding how easily women can travel free under this scheme. Many wonder if the limited free travel area will allow women to conveniently reach important places such as their relatives’ homes or workplaces without paying fares.
Critics point out that while the free bus travel was promised as a statewide benefit in the Super Six scheme manifesto, the current district-bound restriction contradicts that promise. Comparisons are drawn with neighboring states like Telangana and Karnataka where free bus travel schemes are state-wide without such limits.
Women beneficiaries hope the government will address concerns related to trip frequency, timings, and routes included in the free travel scheme to make it truly useful. There are ongoing discussions regarding improving service availability and ensuring women can travel comfortably across longer distances.