The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation free bus scheme has been expanded following a Cabinet decision. Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy announced in the Assembly that persons with more than 40% disability will now receive free travel benefits. The scheme, initially introduced for women and transgender passengers, has already recorded 47 crore trips with a subsidy burden of Rs. 1660 crore.

What Is the Latest Update?

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has decided to:

Extend free bus travel to persons with over 40% disability.
Continue the scheme for women and transgender passengers.
Consider student benefits through a separate proposal.

The announcement was made in the Assembly by Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy.

Current Scheme Coverage

Free travel is currently available in five categories of APSRTC buses:

City Ordinary
City Express
Palle Velugu
Ultra Palle Velugu
Express

Key Statistics

47 crore trips completed so far
Rs. 1660 crore government subsidy incurred
Women passenger share increased from 40% to 65%
Around 25 lakh women travel daily
75% of APSRTC buses currently operate under the free travel scheme

Additional Announcements

Support for Auto Drivers

Rs. 436 crore provided last year to auto drivers impacted by the scheme.

Student Travel Proposal

Under the initiative of Nara Lokesh, intermediate students may receive free travel upon showing hall tickets.

Fleet Expansion

750 new buses to be added under the PM e-bus service initiative.
Proposals submitted for CNG and electric buses to modernize the fleet.

Political Context

The Minister criticized the previous government for weakening APSRTC operations and stated that the current administration is strengthening public transport access through welfare-driven reforms.

Key Entities

Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation – State transport body implementing the scheme
Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy – Transport Minister announcing expansion
Nara Lokesh – Minister advocating student travel benefits

Final Verdict

The expansion of Andhra Pradesh’s free bus scheme marks a significant welfare step, now including persons with disabilities alongside women and transgender passengers. While the subsidy burden remains substantial, rising passenger participation and fleet modernization plans indicate the government’s continued focus on public transport accessibility.

If implemented effectively, the move could further increase ridership and strengthen inclusive mobility across the state.