Commuters in the Old City of Hyderabad are facing difficulties due to the lack of bus services. The State-run bus services, operated by TSRTC, have reduced or completely stopped several services in different localities. This has impacted regular commuters who rely on these buses to travel to important areas.
The TSRTC has decreased or removed bus services on routes connecting areas like Uppuguda, Rajanna Bowli, Lal Darwaza, Chatrinaka, and many more. This has caused suffering to thousands of people, especially lower middle-class and middle-class residents who cannot afford alternative transportation options like autos or cabs.
Passengers traveling to areas like Secunderabad, Mehdipatnam, Jubilee Hills, and others used to reach their destinations smoothly. However, now they face challenges as they have to board connecting buses from Afzalgunj, IS Sadan, and Koti. Private transport options like sharing auto rickshaws are charging high fares, making it difficult for lower-middle-class families.
The closure of the Charminar bus stop and its relocation to Shalibanda X Roads has resulted in most buses being stopped from running on these routes. Students who rely on bus services to reach educational institutions in Koti, Narayanguda, Abids, and Secunderabad are now forced to take expensive autos.
Several bus services like 75R, 75A, 8U, 8R, 9M, 65M, 127J, and many more have been discontinued. Locals have complained about the reduced frequency of buses and have submitted a memorandum of demands to the Regional Manager of TSRTC. However, a solution to the problem is yet to be found.
The authorities have been urged to rationalize the transport mechanism on these routes instead of canceling buses altogether. It is important to ensure that public transportation is accessible and affordable for all residents.
