They anticipate a jump of 10 lakh in daily passengers, in case free bus travel scheme for women is allowed in RTC buses across the state. This increase would necessitate 2,000 more buses and 11,500 staff. According to the preliminary report by RTC officials, this hike would mean revenue loss for the respective services which they have enumerated.
Thereby, a sub-committee of the cabinet would decide in respect of other states where schemes like this were implemented with the leadership of Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasada Reddy. By studying the report from officials it would plan for an efficient execution.
Current Passenger Statistics
- Average Riders per Day: 44 lakh passengers.
- Daily Purchasers of Ticket: 27 lakh.
- 3 lakh passenger take super luxury, ultra-deluxe, and AC services.
- 24 lakh passengers avail Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, Express, City Ordinary, and Metro services.
It will increase the ridership by 10 lakh daily passengers in the said categories. The women passengers are currently at 40% of regular passengers, and with this scheme, they will be able to go up to 60%.
Operational Challenges and Staffing Needs
- Occupancy Ratio (OR): It is currently 68-69%. With this, it will shoot up to 95% post its implementation.
- Buses Needed: 2,000 in five major categories
- Staffing Requirements:
- Drivers: 5,000
- Conductors: 5,000
- Mechanics and Support Staff: 1,500
The deficit of drivers and other employees already existing has to be made up in order to run smoothly.
Financial Impact on RTC
- Current Revenue: Rs.16-17 crore daily through ticketing.
- Of which, Rs.6-7 crore is contributed by women passengers.
- Revenue Loss: Due to the free travel scheme, the state may incur an approximate revenue loss of about Rs.200 crore a month.
- Government Support: Now, the state government supports the employees' salary and it is about Rs.300 crore per month.
