Andhra Pradesh to roll out ‘Zero Fare Tickets' for women from August 15

The Hindu

4 days ago

Drawing on the financial strain witnessed in other States that rolled out similar welfare schemes, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has taken a calibrated yet determined approach as the State gears up to launch its ambitious free RTC bus travel initiative for women from August 15.
At a review meeting held at the Secretariat in Amaravati on Monday, Mr. Naidu directed transport officials to issue 'Zero Fare Tickets' to all women passengers under the scheme. Each ticket will not only validate the free journey but also detail the travel route, the exact subsidy amount borne by the government, and the amount saved by the passenger.
'The aim is to make women clearly aware of the economic benefits they receive from this initiative,' the Chief Minister said, adding that the ticket itself should serve as a tangible representation of the government's support. To ensure transparency and accountability, the Chief Minister ordered the development of specialised software to capture and display all financial benefits directly on the ticket.
Sustainability
However, mindful of the budgetary implications, the Chief Minister held extensive discussions with officials on how such schemes have impacted the fiscal health of other States. He underscored the importance of avoiding delays in implementation but stressed that the long-term sustainability of the APSRTC must remain a priority.
With the financial well-being of the APSRTC in sharp focus, Mr. Naidu laid out a broader vision for sustainable operations. He called for immediate steps to identify alternative revenue streams, cut operational costs, and draft a comprehensive profitability plan.
In a progressive move, he announced that only AC electric buses would be procured going forward. He also proposed converting existing buses to electric models to reduce maintenance costs and setting up of charging infrastructure at all RTC depots. He floated the idea of in-house power generation to support the green fleet, a step aimed at long-term energy security and self-reliance.
'This transition is not just about cost savings, but also about building a sustainable and self-reliant public transport system,' he added.
It may be recalled that the free bus ride for women in RTC buses is one of the promises made under Super Six as a run-up to the general elections in 2024. The scheme, while inspired by the goal of empowering women and promoting inclusive growth, comes with the awareness of pitfalls experienced elsewhere. Andhra Pradesh's strategy, however, combines welfare with fiscal prudence — striving to avoid the economic burdens that have beleaguered similar initiatives in other States.
As the State readies for the August 15 rollout, all eyes are on how Andhra Pradesh balances social welfare and economic sustainability, setting what could be a new benchmark in public transport policy.