In a major initiative to empower women and improve public transport, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officers to introduce a free bus travel programme for women in the Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) from August 15, 2025.
The scheme involves giving 'Zero Fare Tickets' to women passengers, specifying the amount of money they gain from this government subsidy. At a review meeting conducted at the state secretariat on Monday, the Chief Minister stressed the need for transparency in the scheme.
He directed the officials to put certain details on the tickets, like the origin and destination of the journey, the amount saved by the passenger because of the free ride, and the total subsidy offered by the government. This will help to ensure that women all over the state have a clear idea about the financial relief being offered.
For this, the Chief Minister directed the preparation of special software to automate ticketing. 'We want to keep APSRTC on a profitable trajectory'.
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The free bus travel facility will be introduced effectively from Independence Day, with Naidu instructing that there should not be any delay or gaps in implementation. Sensitive to the potential financial burden on APSRTC of the free travel facility, the Chief Minister directed officials to identify alternative sources of revenue and reduce operating costs so that the corporation remains in the black.
He directed them to arrive at a broad action plan that outlines strategies for revenue generation and enhancing expenditure. "The aim is to put APSRTC on a profitable track despite the extra burden of the free travel scheme," Naidu said.
In a progressive move to mechanise the state's public transport, Naidu repressed APSRTC to buy only AC electric buses in the future. He pointed out that it would drastically reduce maintenance expenses to convert the current fleet to electric buses. He also suggested that APSRTC produce its own electricity to run these buses, thereby lessening reliance on outside sources.
For this shift, the Chief Minister directed the officials to make a feasibility study of setting up charging points in all APSRTC depots in the state. This action will make the corporation energy-independent in its requirements while adding to environmental sustainability.
The free bus travel initiative is set to empower millions of women in Andhra Pradesh through the provision of affordable and free public transport that will improve their mobility and economic prospects.
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