Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed the officials to implement a comprehensive policy regarding free bus travel for women. For which, he asked them to study how such a policy is being implemented in other states like Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, at present.
Conducting a review on RTC and Transport Department, Chief Minister Chandrababu said that a team of officials should visit these states to study best practices being implemented there and prepare a report. Even if it is late, he made it clear the policy should be without errors and problems for women.
Suggesting to increase the use of electric buses in the coming days, he asked them to calculate the difference in maintenance and mileage along with the purchase of diesel buses and electrical buses. Since the use of electric vehicles is increasing, he said that measures should be taken to increase their use in RTC.
It has been suggested that 1253 electric buses should be provided by utilizing the subsidies given by the Center for the purchase of electric vehicles. He suggested thinking of solutions to the problems that may arise in the case of charging if electric buses are run to distant areas. The CM suggested coming up with a complete report on the pros and cons of renting buses and the benefits of owning buses.
Officials said that the previous government did not purchase any new buses and the buses which have covered more than 15 lakh kilometers are currently in service. Due to such buses, they deplored that they are having frequent breakdown problems and accidents are happening.
Moreover, the Chief Minister said that the previous government had reduced bus services to rural areas and asked to take steps to increase the number of services. He stressed the need to improve RTS revenues through developing cargo services.
Chandrababu slams that the previous government did not solve any problem except that RTC was merged into the government and the problems of the employees were not solved. The CM suggested that SP, Collector and Road Safety officers should hold regular meetings to prevent accidents. Black spots where frequent accidents occur should be identified and appropriate measures should be taken.
He ordered the removal of vehicles that are more than 15 years old. Automated testing stations should be set up in every district. Driving license and RC card should be provided to motorists, he added.
