Zero Fare Ticket’ under RTC Free Bus Scheme for women.

•      *‘Zero Fare Ticket’ under RTC Free Bus Scheme for women

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• *Only AC electric buses to be purchased henceforth in the state*

• *Self-sufficiency to be achieved by in-house power generation and charging stations*

• *CM Chandrababu Naidu orders implementation of scheme from August 15*

Amaravati, July 21 (prajaamaravati): Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to issue ‘Zero Fare Tickets’ to women passengers under the RTC free bus travel scheme set to be implemented from August 15. The ticket must include details such as the route travelled, the amount of money saved through the free service, and the full 100% subsidy the government provides. The CM stated that issuing Zero Fare Tickets would help women passengers clearly understand the benefit they are receiving. He instructed officials to develop the necessary software for this purpose. On Monday, the Chief Minister reviewed the RTC free bus travel scheme for women with officials at the Secretariat. He discussed the financial aspects of the scheme in the other states where it has been implemented and what it might cost in Andhra Pradesh. He directed that the scheme must be implemented effectively from August 15 under all circumstances.

*Make RTC a Profitable Entity*

Since the free bus travel scheme for women is being launched soon, the Chief Minister advised that APSRTC should explore alternative revenue sources and reduce operational costs to become a profitable entity. He directed officials to come up with an action plan on the possible revenue-generating methods and the necessary policy changes. Simultaneously, the Chief Minister instructed officials to purchase only AC electric buses in the future. He noted that converting existing buses to electric buses would reduce maintenance costs and recommended that the required electricity be produced in-house. The CM also emphasised the need to study the establishment of charging stations in all RTC depots across the state.