Andhra government likely to begin APSRTC services in green and orange zones after May 17

The governments are preparing to restart public transport services that was stalled due to the lockdown amid coronavirus outbreak. As part of this, the government of Andhra Pradesh is likely to start the services of RTC buses after 50 days on the roads as the third phase of the lockdown is due to end on May 17. The government has decided to start services in Green and Orange zones. However, it is learnt that the only fifty per cent of the passengers will be allowed in the bus provided physical distance is followed, which will reduce the occupancy rate by 40 to 50 per cent.

It seems likely that the conductor system is set to be sidelined a few days and the Passengers will have to buy tickets online or at bus stand to avoid congestion. Meanwhile, AC bus services are essentially cashless transactions where travelers can book tickets online while the current bookings can be made at the bus stand. When it comes to non-AC buses, there are only 5 stops for buses traveling more than 150 km. It also has to book tickets online. Also can be purchased at RTC counters.

In order to maintain physical distance, out of 60 seats in the buses, 26 seats are said to be empty, hence the government is in proposal to increase ticket fares by 40 per cent. The super luxury bus will have 36 seats. It consists of only three rows of seats. In the middle of the space newly fitted 8 seats are available. There is a proposal to increase ticket fares by more than 30%. Ultra Deluxe is down 12 seats.

Passengers are provided with sanitizers before boarding a bus, along with physical distance. However, the official decisions awaited to run the APSRTC services.