In a strategic move aimed at addressing declining ticket revenue, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has announced plans to roll out 300 additional Metro Deluxe buses across the city. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance fare collection and improve financial stability for the corporation.
Currently, approximately 50 Metro Deluxe buses are already operational, serving routes from depots such as Kushaiguda, Ranigunj, and Hayathnagar-1. These buses are part of an initial phase of deployment that has been instrumental in assessing passenger response and operational feasibility.
The impetus for this significant expansion stems from the impact of the Mahalakshmi scheme, which has drastically reduced ticket revenue for TSRTC. The scheme, introduced by the Telangana government, has led to a remarkable 70% decline in fare income. Following the implementation of the scheme, TSRTC undertook a comprehensive internal inspection to evaluate its financial implications. The inspection revealed a concerning trend: only 30% of passengers were paying for their tickets, while the remaining 70% were traveling without contributing to fare revenue.
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To counteract this decline and restore financial balance, TSRTC has decided to introduce the new Metro Deluxe buses in a phased manner. Unlike other bus services covered under the Mahalakshmi scheme, which provides free travel for women, the Metro Deluxe buses will require all passengers, including women, to pay for their rides. This decision aims to ensure that fare collection is maximized and that the corporation’s revenue stream is bolstered.
A TSRTC official emphasized that the Mahalakshmi scheme would not apply to the newly introduced Metro Deluxe buses. This move is expected to have a dual benefit: it will help in augmenting revenue while also providing a more premium travel option for passengers who are willing to pay for enhanced services.
The Mahalakshmi scheme currently benefits around 1.4 million women passengers daily, who utilize the scheme on City Ordinary and Metro Express buses. These two types of buses account for over 80% of the TSRTC fleet. Given the substantial proportion of the fleet affected by the scheme, the introduction of the Metro Deluxe buses is seen as a necessary measure to offset the revenue losses incurred from the scheme.
By implementing this strategy, TSRTC aims to balance the needs of different passenger segments while stabilizing its financial situation. The new Metro Deluxe buses are expected to offer improved amenities and comfort, which could attract more passengers who are willing to pay for a superior travel experience.
As TSRTC moves forward with this expansion, the corporation will closely monitor the impact on revenue and passenger satisfaction. Further updates and adjustments to the deployment plan will be communicated as needed to ensure the successful implementation of this revenue-boosting initiative.
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