Following the implementation of free bus rides for women in State-run buses, there have been issues with women boarding and de-boarding the buses wherever they want. This has resulted in obstruction of traffic, with many drivers stopping the buses in the middle of the road to accommodate women passengers’ requests.
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) buses have been causing traffic congestion as drivers stop the vehicles in the middle of the road upon the request of women passengers. This inconvenience not only affects the passengers on the bus but also disrupts the flow of traffic, potentially leading to accidents or other incidents.
For example, on the busy road at Somajiguda, a bus driver stopped the bus in the middle of the road upon request from a group of women, causing traffic congestion. Some women are treating the free bus service as a shared auto-rickshaw, getting on and off the bus wherever it is convenient for them. This creates trouble for other passengers and hampers the smooth operation of the TSRTC buses.
Similar incidents have occurred at Malakpet, where a bus suddenly moved to the left side of the road and stopped, causing five women passengers to deboard. This dangerous maneuver not only blocks the way for other motorists but also leads to traffic jams and inconvenience.
It is important to note that not only the drivers and conductors are responsible for these problems. The TSRTC should make efforts to address these issues and ensure a smooth operation of the free bus ride scheme. Drivers should be given proper instructions and guidelines, and passengers should also be educated about appropriate behavior during their free bus travel.
To manage the large crowds at bus stops, TSRTC has made necessary arrangements to maintain order and ensure safety, especially for women passengers. The corporation will investigate these incidents and provide instructions to both drivers and women passengers regarding the guidelines for the free bus travel scheme.
