Vijayawada: Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramaprasada Reddy announced that women will be able to travel for free on APSRTC bus booking within a month. He mentioned that the government has directed officials to prepare a draft for the final decision on this matter. Reddy, who took office as Transport Minister at the secretariat on Sunday, approved a proposal to establish a driver’s training and research institute costing Rs.18.51 crore in Darsi, Prakasam district. In a discussion with the media, Reddy noted that the state government has instructed the APSRTC management to review similar free bus initiatives for women in neighbouring states Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as a reference for finalizing the plan.

Significance of Free Bus Travel for Women

The introduction of free bus travel for women holds significant social, economic, and environmental implications, contributing positively to society in several key ways:

• Increased Mobility and Accessibility: Free bus travel empowers women by increasing their mobility and access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and employment. This enhanced access can lead to better educational outcomes, higher employment rates, and improved healthcare access, contributing to overall societal advancement.
• Economic Empowerment: By removing the cost barrier of transportation, free travel enables women to participate more actively in the workforce. This not only boosts their personal economic status but also contributes to the broader economy by increasing workforce diversity and productivity.
• Social Inclusion: It promotes social inclusion by enabling women from lower-income backgrounds to travel without the burden of transport costs.

Conclusion

Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramaprasada Reddy’s recent announcement about implementing free bus travel for women within a month marks a significant step towards enhancing public transportation accessibility and gender equality. By reviewing successful models from neighbouring states and establishing a new drivers’ training institute, the minister demonstrates a comprehensive approach to improving the APSRTC’s services and infrastructure.