If everything goes well according to plan, the YSR Congress party government in Andhra Pradesh is most likely to resume the operation of public transport services in the state at least in green and orange zones.
Faced with severe revenue crunch on account of lockdown, the state government is expecting that the Centre might lift curbs on public transport after May 17. If it happens, the state government is all set to restart the APSRTC bus services in the state.
In all probability, the bus services will be on the roads from May 18 but with restricted number of passengers.
It is learnt the buses will be operated with only 50 per cent of the total seating capacity so as to make people maintain physical distancing.
Secondly, no standing passengers would be allowed in any bus and only those who reserve their tickets would be allowed in the buses, as there is no issuance of tickets physically.
Since the occupancy in the buses will be only up to 40-50 per cent due to these restrictions, it has led to the talk that the state might increase the bus fares abnormally to make up for the losses.
However, transport minister Perni Nani denied the reports that the bus fares would be increased.
“There is absolutely no truth in these reports. We are yet to take a decision on running the buses in the first place. It depends on what decision the Centre would take after May 17,” Nani said.
