- Andhra Pradesh to start Free RTC Bus Ride Scheme for Women from August 15, offering free travel on APSRTC buses.
- Tickets will show travel route, fare saved, and full subsidy details for clarity.
- Scheme supported by plans for electric buses and ways to keep funding ongoing.
Andhra Pradesh coalition government is set to implement the Free Travel Scheme for women in RTC buses starting August 15. Preparations are in full swing for the inauguration of the scheme, which will cover approximately 74% of all APSRTC buses. Out of the total 11,449 buses in the state, five categories of buses have been selected for the initiative, bringing around 8,458 buses under its ambit. The move aims to provide safe, accessible, and cost-free public transport for women across the state.
Who Can Use the Free RTC Bus Ride for Women and What Are the Benefits
This scheme is made only for women riding the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses. Eligible women will get tickets free of charge, allowing them to travel anywhere within their own districts without paying any fare. This free travel policy not only helps save money but also encourages more women to use public transport, improving their mobility and independence.
Main Features of the Zero Fare Ticket System
An important part of the scheme is giving out ‘zero fare tickets’ that include details like the travel route, the exact amount saved by not paying, and a clear note of the full subsidy given by the government. This clear ticketing system helps women understand the valuable benefit they get. To support this, officials are creating special software that will print these detailed zero fare tickets when women travel.
Also Read – Free Bus Travel Scheme Andhra Pradesh – Eligibility, Benefits, Limits & Route Restrictions Explained
When It Starts and Government Instructions
The scheme will officially begin on August 15, 2025, which is Indian Independence Day, standing for freedom and empowerment of women across the state. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has strongly instructed officials to carry out the rollout smoothly and on time across all APSRTC bus services within districts. He stressed that the scheme must be put into action no matter what and told departments to keep a close watch on progress.
Money Planning and Keeping the Scheme Going
Running such a large free travel scheme needs careful money planning. The Andhra Pradesh government is looking into the costs from other states with similar schemes to manage funding smartly. APSRTC is encouraged to find other ways to earn money and cut down operational costs to stay financially healthy despite offering free rides.
Upgrading Buses: Moving to Electric Buses
To help keep things going, the government plans to update the bus fleet by buying only AC electric buses going forward. Changing current diesel buses to electric ones is expected to lower maintenance costs and be better for the environment. Also, producing electricity in-house and setting up charging stations at all RTC depots across Andhra Pradesh are key parts of this plan, aiming to cut down operational costs a lot.
Political Promise and Public Response
This free travel plan was one of the ‘Super Six’ main promises of the Telugu Desam Party-led alliance in last year’s elections, showing its top political importance. While the scheme first applies to travel within districts, some confusion came up about whether it covers the whole state. Opposition parties, especially the YSR Congress Party, said the government has not fully met the promise to give free statewide travel for women, leaving room for more work and talks as the scheme moves forward.
Women in Andhra Pradesh can look forward to easier and free travel choices starting August 15, thanks to this well-planned government scheme. Keep an eye out for updates as the state keeps making these changes and improving public transport for safer, greener, and more affordable travel.