Free bus scheme drives RTC revival, claims Minister

State transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Wednesday accused the opposition leaders of indirectly opposing the "free bus travel scheme for women", alleging misinformation on social media. The scheme increased RTC occupancy from 69% to 98%, significantly boosting women’s mobility and income opportunities, he claimed.

Responding  to questions raised by various members in the Legislative Council regarding the status of  TGSRTC, Ponnam alleged that the opposition party leaders were  portraying the free travel scheme for the  women in a derogatory manner on social media by depicting the women as if they are fighting amongst themselves over the issue. Highlighting the reforms in RTC, the minister said that the Rs.664 crore dues was reduced to Rs.300 crore, PF (provident fund) arrears cut from Rs.1,350 crore to Rs.600 crore, and 2,708 new buses were added and 3,038 vacancies are being filled. ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme has put RTC on a path to profitability, while new welfare measures for auto drivers and RTC staff are underway. “We are currently formulating a special scheme specifically for their benefit", he added.