Women have to pay only in air-conditioned electric buses

EKALAVYA MALLEPALLI | Hyderabad 

All the hungama that women are occupying every inch in a TGSRTC bus and that men are side-lined has been written about quite a bit but surprisingly even now after one year and one month since the buses were thrown open for free travel for the fairer sex, many women still refrain from boarding electric buses thinking they may have to buy a ticket.

Even after one year since the introduction of TGSRTC electric buses, many women are still unaware that the non-A/C versions are free under the Mahalakshmi scheme. The free bus travel came into force on Dec 9, 2023. While some hesitate to board these buses, assuming they are not free, those who are aware are making the most of this comfortable travel option. Even though many passengers are unaware of the free service, the occupancy rate remains high, with an average of 80%.

On average, about 22 lakh people travel by bus daily in Hyderabad, out of which nearly 12 lakh are women. TGSRTC currently operates 254 electric buses, and to meet the increasing demand, it plans to introduce an additional 286 electric buses by May this year. These new buses will be deployed on high-demand routes to improve connectivity and service availability.

Several women passengers have shared their experiences regarding the electric buses. Some recently discovered that the non-A/C electric buses are free, while others initially assumed there was a charge. A woman passenger mentioned that electric buses offer a much smoother ride compared to diesel buses, as they are free from noise and vibration. She also observed that electric buses reach their destination faster than conventional buses.

Another commuter expressed concerns over the limited frequency of buses, stating that when one bus is full, the wait for the next one is often long. With the summer season approaching, she emphasized the need for more frequent buses to avoid long waiting times at bus stops. Another passenger highlighted the environmental benefits of electric buses, urging the government to introduce more of them while phasing out diesel buses to improve air quality in Hyderabad.

To support the growing electric bus network, TGSRTC has already established charging stations at Cantonment, Miyapur, Hayathnagar-2, and HCU depots. These stations are currently operational and play a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted services. Additionally, new charging stations are set to be introduced in key locations, including Ranigunj, JBS and Kukatpally depots, in the coming days.