As the festive season of Sankranti approaches, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is gearing up to ensure the seamless travel of passengers by operating a whopping 6,795 special buses. In a recent statement issued by the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, the corporation announced its commitment to providing hassle-free transportation during the festive rush.
One of the notable aspects highlighted in the statement is the corporation’s decision to refrain from imposing additional charges on commuters availing the special bus services. This move is in stark contrast to previous years when travelers often faced elevated fares during festival seasons. The decision not only demonstrates APSRTC’s customer-centric approach but has also contributed to increased patronage for its buses, compelling private operators to follow suit and eliminate exorbitant fare hikes.
The special bus services will be operational before and after the festival, catering to the surge in travel demand. From January 6 to 14, the APSRTC plans to deploy 3,570 special buses, strategically allocated to key destinations. Among these, 1,600 buses will be directed towards Hyderabad, 250 for Bengaluru, 40 for Chennai, 300 for Vijayawada, 290 for Visakhapatnam, 230 for Rajamahendravaram, 70 for Tirupati, and an additional 790 for various other significant routes. For the return journey post-Sankranti, an additional 3,225 special buses will be in service from January 16 to 18.
The decision to operate a significant number of special buses aligns with APSRTC’s commitment to providing convenient and accessible transportation options for the public. This move not only addresses the surge in demand during festive seasons but also facilitates a smoother travel experience for commuters.
An essential shift in APSRTC’s approach occurred in 2022 when the corporation abandoned the practice of charging extra fares for special buses during festivals. Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao emphasized that this shift not only attracted more passengers to APSRTC buses but also compelled private operators to reevaluate their pricing strategies, benefitting the general public.
To further incentivize passengers, the corporation is offering a 10% discount on return journey tickets for those who book in advance. This discount not only encourages early bookings but also rewards passengers for their loyalty to APSRTC services. The Vice-Chairman and Managing Director expressed satisfaction with the positive response from the public, revealing that all tickets for ordinary bus services between January 10 and January 13, 2024, are already sold out.
To ensure the efficient operation of these special buses, APSRTC has deployed dedicated teams of officials, supervisors, and security staff in main centers and Hyderabad. The corporation’s commitment to passenger safety and satisfaction is evident in its proactive approach to addressing potential issues. For passengers seeking information or reporting problems, a 24×7 call center has been established, accessible through the numbers 149 or 08662570005.
In conclusion, APSRTC’s proactive measures for the upcoming Sankranti festivities underscore its dedication to providing reliable, affordable, and customer-friendly transportation services. The decision to operate a substantial number of special buses without additional charges reflects a customer-centric approach that prioritizes the public’s convenience and sets a positive precedent for the future. As the festive season unfolds, APSRTC stands ready to facilitate a joyous and smooth travel experience for the people of Andhra Pradesh.
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