Andhra Pradesh to Roll Out Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women, Transgender Persons from August 15.

The Andhra Pradesh government will introduce a free bus travel scheme for women and transgender individuals from August 15, covering 6,700 buses and costing ₹1,950 crore annually. Beneficiaries must produce valid identification to avail of the benefit. The scheme will ensure transparent and flawless implementation, with additional drivers and mechanics to handle the rise in demand.

The Andhra Pradesh government is set to launch a free bus travel scheme for women and transgender individuals from August 15, 2025. This initiative, part of the state's 'Super Six' election promises, aims to provide accessible and affordable public transportation for these groups. The scheme will cover 6,700 buses, which represent approximately 74% of the APSRTC fleet [1].

The scheme, to be formally approved by the Cabinet on August 6, will allow beneficiaries to travel free of cost on various bus services, including Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, City Ordinary, Express, and Metro Express buses [2]. To avail of this benefit, passengers must present valid identification such as an Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Ration Card.

The annual cost of the scheme is estimated to be Rs 1,950 crore, with the government planning to procure 3,000 electric buses this year and an additional 1,400 over the next two years. To support the expanded fleet, the government will also recruit additional drivers and mechanics [1].

The scheme's implementation will be overseen by a team of three ministers who visited Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana to study similar initiatives. The goal is to ensure a transparent and flawless execution of the program [2].

This move not only represents a significant step towards women's empowerment but also supports sustainable mobility in the state. By providing free and accessible public transportation, the Andhra Pradesh government aims to enhance the quality of life for women and transgender persons.

References:
[1] https://newsmeter.in/regional/andhra-pradesh/ap-to-launch-free-bus-travel-for-women-transpersons-from-august-15-752899
[2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/free-bus-travel-for-women-and-transgender-persons-across-andhra-pradesh-from-august-15/article69893905.ece