HYDERABAD: “If someone falls down, who is responsible? If cases are booked, who is responsible?” asked a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) driver in a video doing rounds on social media. The video has elicited various responses from netizens on the 'Mahalakshmi free bus travel for women' scheme. The anguish of the driver also throws light on teething troubles that are yet to be solved.
As per the Corporation, a staggering three crore women travelled in TSRTC buses within 11 days of the implementation of the scheme in the state.
The increased demand was not matched by the Corporation’s fleet. In December 2023, it was announced that 2,050 new buses will be introduced in a phased manner in four to five months. Speaking to TNIE, a TSRTC official said that the Corporation plans to introduce 75 electric buses every month till June in Hyderabad.
With 1,800 buses from the Greater Hyderabad zone being deployed for the ongoing Medaram jatara, commuters in the twin cities are forced to wait for long periods and resort to footboarding. “It is extremely dangerous. We had requested passengers to seek alternate arrangements well in advance,” said a TSRTC official. He informed that the situation will get back to normal from Sunday.
The driver in the video said that women passengers make them stop at locations other than bus stops. This leads to disputes between passengers as well, he added.
In recent times, physical attacks on RTC staff have become frequent. The management reiterates that such incidents will be taken seriously. “We will definitely approach the police and see that cases are booked against the culprits,” the official added.
According to officials, the Corporation is educating drivers to drive safely and be conscious of other commuters, especially two-wheelers.