Hyderabad: After the Metropolitan Tracks’ fare rate hike, TGSRTC’s larger Hyderabad district has begun analyzing commuter demand patterns to take advantage of passengers who can choose to travel by bus. Now state-owned bus operators are considering increasing the number of air-conditioned buses on high-demand routes.
Currently, air-conditioned city buses operated by RTC are at least Rs 15, at least two stops, to Rs 60. By comparison, the maximum fare for a metro trip is Rs 75.
Officials in the Greater Hyderabad region noted that high-income routes for AC buses include 218 and 219 (with sub-routing), between LB Nagar and Patancheru, Koti and Patancheru, as well as Secunderabad and Patancheru.
In addition, there is a strong demand for routes such as 216 (Koti to Patancheru via Mehdipatnam), 217 (CBS to Patancheru via Mehdipatnam) and 10H (Secunderabad to Kondapur).
They also pointed out that long-distance travelers prefer these air conditioning services as the maximum fare is only 60′ and provide a comfortable journey.
Currently, the city has 37 air-conditioned buses, excluding those operating airport Pushpak services. The occupancy rate of AC bus is between 70% and 80%, indicating its increasing popularity.
Officials also stressed that the network-lined bus running in the IT corridor (from Raidurg to Wave Rock) has been extended to the U.S. consulate. These buses serve employees in the IT field primarily and provide them with reliable air-conditioning commuters.
