Addressing rising passenger numbers, Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has launched a pilot program offering men-exclusive buses on specific routes. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion and improve travel experiences for both male and female commuters.
Addressing Commuter Needs:
The Mahalakshmi Scheme’s free bus initiative, while lauded for increasing public transport accessibility, has resulted in a significant rise in ridership, leading to overcrowding and inconvenience for regular commuters. Recognizing this issue, TSRTC has opted for a targeted solution with men-only buses on select routes experiencing high passenger volume.
Initial Route and Timings:
The first men-exclusive bus operates on the Ibrahimpatnam-LB Nagar route, catering primarily to engineering students who heavily utilize public transport for their daily commute. This single bus currently runs to and fro, departing at 8:30 am and returning at 4:30 pm. Hyderabad serves as the initial focus area due to its high traffic density.
Experimentation and Potential Expansion:
TSRTC views this program as an experiment to gauge its effectiveness in managing ridership and ensuring a more balanced transportation system. If successful, the initiative could expand to include more routes and potentially additional time slots.
Impact on Female Commuters:
Data indicates a rise in female ridership following the Mahalakshmi Scheme, with many women traveling to educational institutions using public transport. TSRTC emphasizes that this initiative does not aim to diminish accessibility for female passengers. The goal is to create a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for all commuters by managing overall ridership more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) Why are men-only buses being introduced?
These buses aim to address overcrowding issues arising from increased ridership, particularly during peak hours. This targeted approach aims to improve travel experiences for both male and female commuters by providing dedicated buses for men on select routes.
2. Which route is the first men-exclusive bus operating on?
The first men-exclusive bus operates on the Ibrahimpatnam-LB Nagar route, catering primarily to engineering students who heavily utilize public transport for their daily commute.
3. What are the timings of the men-only bus?
The men-only bus departs at 8:30 am and returns at 4:30 pm, serving commuters during peak hours.
4. Will this program expand to include more routes?
TSRTC views this program as an experiment and if successful, it could expand to include more routes and potentially additional time slots.
5. How will this initiative impact female commuters?
TSRTC emphasizes that this initiative does not aim to diminish accessibility for female passengers. The goal is to create a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for all commuters by managing overall ridership more effectively.
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