HYDERABAD: If you were to travel on Friday, opting for a mode of transport other than APSRTC would be a wise decision, as all buses will be put in service of students taking Eamcet.
Though the corporation’s managing director N Sambasiva Rao stated that they were able to ply 38 per cent of buses in Andhra Pradesh, and about 15 per cent in Telangana on Thursday, he announced that priority will be given to students taking the exam on Friday.
People were forced to pay exorbitant prices for autos, private buses, mini buses, and taxi operators on Thursday also, as the deadlock between RTC, and its employee unions over increase in wages continued on Thursday.
And people might have to continue to dig deep into their pockets as the unions’ categorically stated that they will continue the strike till 43 per cent fitment was granted. APSRTC Employee Union and RTC Telangana Mazdoor Union are jointly organising the strike.
Sambasiva Rao said that he is ready to call the unions for talks. “I am inviting them for talks,” he said, and that they roped in drivers from police and fire departments, and that some contract workers reported to work in the two states. Drivers on temporary basis were also recruited through tests conducted by District Transport Commissioner. In Telangana, 490 drivers and 2,150 conductors were recruited by the corporation.
Meanwhile, AP transport minister Sidda Raghava Rao exuded confidence that they will be plying about 60 per cent of buses on Friday. Commuters
Hit Hard
Temporary drivers and conductors recruited
RTC Employees’ Unions firm on demand for 43 per cent fitment
38 per cent buses in AP and 15 per cent in Telangana plied on Thursday