APSRTC To Run AC Buses To Key Destinations

AMARAVATI: Undeterred by the coronavirus scare, Andhra Pradesh State Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has decided to run air-conditioned buses to important destinations in the state like Tirupati, Kadapa, and Kurnool. The decision was taken keeping in view the high demand from travelers to these destinations. The state-run corporation has already begun AC bus services between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.

On the other hand, the number of buses hitting the roads has increased, thanks to the phased relaxations from lockdown restrictions in the state. According to an official, the number of buses being operated now has gone up to 308 from 200 till two-three days ago in the Krishna region. The RTC has also substantially increased the number of buses in the Visakhapatnam and Rajahmundry routes, which are in high demand.

"Passengers are not preferring Palle Velugu buses. The APSRTC is incurring losses from these services at a time the corporation is already crippled in its revenue due to the coronavirus crisis. Despite this, we continue to run ‘Palle Velugu’ services in some essential routes. We are planning to increase this frequency as there is an anticipated increase in the inflow of passengers due to the lockdown relaxations in the state," said APSRTC’s Krishna division Regional Manager Nagendra Prasad.

Seats have been modified in Super Luxury, Ultra Deluxe, Palle Velugu, and Express buses to ensure there is no physical contact between passengers.