APSRTC Free Bus Scheme – Benefits & Eligibility Criteria

Imagine never having to reach for your wallet when you board a bus to go to work, school, or a nearby town. Thanks to the APSRTC Free Bus Scheme, millions of people in Andhra Pradesh can now fulfill their dreams. This innovative project, started by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, aims to change how people travel across the state by making public transportation more accessible and affordable.

In this blog post, we will explore the scheme’s details, examining its benefits, challenges, and impact on commuters and society. This article will show how the APSRTC Free Bus Scheme is transforming Andhra Pradesh, whether you ride the bus daily or are interested in modern public transportation initiatives.

Andhra Pradesh Nirudyoga Bruthi Scheme – Benefits, How to Apply, Eligibility Criteria

Overview – APSRTC Free Bus Scheme

Benefits of the APSRTC Free Bus Scheme

Officially known as the Stree Shakti Scheme, the APSRTC Free Bus Scheme is a transformative program that benefits commuters, society, and the Andhra Pradesh economy in numerous ways. The program promotes accessibility, empowerment, and sustainable development by providing free bus transportation to women, girls, and transgender individuals. We examine the main benefits for different stakeholders below.

For Commuters

• Cost Savings: With free access to Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express buses, eligible commuters save significantly on transportation costs. For example, a woman traveling daily from a rural area to a nearby city for work could save hundreds of rupees monthly, easing financial burdens.
• Increased Mobility: The scheme enables women and transgender individuals to travel freely across Andhra Pradesh, whether for education, employment, healthcare, or personal errands. This is particularly impactful for rural residents who previously faced barriers due to high fares.
• Empowerment and Independence: By removing the cost barrier, the scheme empowers women and transgender individuals to pursue opportunities without financial constraints. For instance, a student like Priya, who commutes 20 km daily to college, can now attend classes regularly without worrying about bus fares.

For Society

• Social Inclusion: The scheme promotes equality by ensuring that women and transgender individuals, often marginalized in terms of mobility, have equitable access to public transport. This fosters greater participation in social, educational, and economic activities.
• Reduced Traffic Congestion: Encouraging public transport use over private vehicles helps reduce road congestion in urban areas like Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, improving overall traffic flow.
• Environmental Benefits: Increased reliance on APSRTC buses, especially with plans to introduce 1,400 electric buses, contributes to lower carbon emissions. This aligns with sustainable development goals, reducing the environmental footprint of transportation in Andhra Pradesh.

For the Economy

• Boost to Local Businesses: Enhanced mobility means more people can access markets, shops, and service centers, driving economic activity. For example, women vendors can travel to urban markets to sell their goods without incurring travel costs.
• Job Opportunities: The scheme supports APSRTC’s operations, potentially leading to job creation in areas like bus maintenance, ticketing systems, and infrastructure development. The introduction of smart cards and safety measures like CCTV installation also creates opportunities in tech and security sectors.
• Economic Empowerment: By enabling women to access workplaces and educational institutions, the scheme contributes to higher workforce participation and skill development, boosting the state’s economic productivity.

Real-World Impact

Think about Lakshmi, a tailor in a nearby town and a single mother from a small Andhra Pradesh village. In the past, a large amount of her income was spent on bus fares. She can now travel for free thanks to the Stree Shakti Scheme, which enables her to save money for her kids’ education. In a similar vein, transgender people like Anjali can work and access community centres in urban areas without facing financial obstacles, which promotes better social integration.

The APSRTC Free Bus Scheme is a driving force behind social change, economic expansion, and environmental sustainability in addition to being a transportation program. Andhra Pradesh will become more connected and powerful as a result of its emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility.

Process to Get a Free Ticket Under the APSRTC Free Bus Scheme (Stree Shakti Scheme)

The APSRTC Free Bus Scheme, launched on August 15, 2025, allows eligible women, girls, and transgender individuals in Andhra Pradesh to travel for free on select APSRTC bus services. Below is the step-by-step process to obtain a free ticket:

1. Confirm Eligibility:
   • Ensure you are a resident of Andhra Pradesh and fall under one of the eligible categories: women, girls (of any age), or transgender individuals.
   • Have a valid government-issued ID ready to prove residency, such as:
     • Aadhaar Card
     • Voter ID
     • Ration Card
     • Driving License
2. Choose an Eligible Bus Service:
   • Free travel is available only on specific APSRTC bus services:
     • Pallevelugu
     • Ultra Pallevelugu
     • City Ordinary
     • Metro Express
     • Express
   • Note: Non-stop buses, interstate routes, Super Luxury, Ultra Deluxe, Star Liner, AC buses, Saptagiri Express, Contract Carriage, Chartered Services, and Package Tours are not covered.
3. Board the Bus:
   • Identify and board an eligible APSRTC bus at a designated bus stop or station.
   • Ensure the bus route is within Andhra Pradesh, as free travel is valid only up to the state border for routes extending beyond.
4. Present Valid ID to the Conductor:
   • When the bus conductor approaches for ticketing, show your valid government-issued ID to confirm your residency and eligibility.
   • The conductor will verify the ID to ensure it meets the scheme’s requirements.
5. Receive a Zero-Fare Ticket:
   • Upon verification, the conductor will issue a zero-fare ticket for your journey.
   • This ticket is provided at no cost and allows you to travel on the eligible bus service within Andhra Pradesh.
6. Future Smart Card System (Under Development):
   • APSRTC is developing a smart card system to streamline the process. Once implemented, eligible beneficiaries may receive a smart card to simplify identification and ticketing, eliminating the need to show physical IDs repeatedly. Until then, the ID-based process remains in place.

Important Notes:

• No prior registration or application is required to avail of the free ticket.
• Keep your ID handy for every trip, as conductors may request it each time you board.
• The scheme covers approximately 8,458 buses (75% of APSRTC’s fleet), ensuring wide availability across the state.
• For any issues or queries, contact the APSRTC Helpline at 0866-2570005 or email online.support@apsrtconline.in.

Eligibility Criteria for the APSRTC Free Bus Scheme

The APSRTC Free Bus Scheme, officially named the Stree Shakti Scheme, is designed to provide free bus travel to specific groups within Andhra Pradesh, promoting accessibility and empowerment. Below are the eligibility criteria for availing of the scheme:

• Women and Girls:
  • All women and girls residing in Andhra Pradesh, regardless of age, are eligible.
  • No restrictions based on income, occupation, or marital status.
  • Must provide valid identification to prove residency in Andhra Pradesh (e.g., Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Ration Card, or Driving License).
• Transgender Individuals:
  • Transgender individuals who are residents of Andhra Pradesh are eligible.
  • Must present valid identification, such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or any government-issued ID, to confirm residency.
• Residency Requirement:
  • Beneficiaries must be residents of Andhra Pradesh. Non-residents are not eligible for free travel under this scheme.
• Identification Process:
  • To avail of free bus travel, eligible individuals must show a valid ID to the bus conductor, who will issue a zero-fare ticket.
  • A smart card system is under development to streamline the process, but until implemented, physical ID verification is required.
• Covered Services:
  • Free travel applies only to specific APSRTC bus services: Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express buses.
  • Excluded services include non-stop buses, interstate routes, Super Luxury, Ultra Deluxe, Star Liner, AC buses, Saptagiri Express, Contract Carriage, Chartered Services, and Package Tours.
• Geographical Scope:
  • Free travel is valid within Andhra Pradesh state borders. For routes extending beyond state borders, free travel is available only up to the Andhra Pradesh border.

This eligibility framework ensures that the scheme targets women and transgender individuals, fostering inclusivity and mobility across Andhra Pradesh. For more details, beneficiaries can contact the APSRTC Helpline at 0866-2570005 or visit www.apsrtc.ap.gov.in.

FAQs: APSRTC Free Bus Scheme (Stree Shakti Scheme)

1. What is the APSRTC Free Bus Scheme?

The Stree Shakti Scheme is a government initiative by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) that provides free bus travel to women, girls, and transgender individuals residing in Andhra Pradesh. Launched on August 15, 2025, it aims to enhance mobility, affordability, and empowerment.

2. Who is eligible for free bus travel under this scheme?

• Women and girls of all ages who are residents of Andhra Pradesh.
• Transgender individuals residing in Andhra Pradesh.
• Beneficiaries must present a valid ID (e.g., Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Ration Card, or Driving License) to prove residency.

3. Which bus services are covered under the scheme?

Free travel is available on the following APSRTC bus services:

• Pallevelugu
• Ultra Pallevelugu
• City Ordinary
• Metro Express
• Express Excluded services: Non-stop buses, interstate routes, Super Luxury, Ultra Deluxe, Star Liner, AC buses, Saptagiri Express, Contract Carriage, Chartered Services, and Package Tours.

4. How can I avail of free bus travel?

• Show a valid government-issued ID (e.g., Aadhaar, Voter ID) to the bus conductor.
• The conductor will issue a zero-fare ticket for your journey.
• A smart card system is being developed to simplify the process in the future.

5. Is the free bus travel valid for interstate routes?

No, free travel is limited to routes within Andhra Pradesh. For buses traveling beyond state borders, free travel is available only up to the Andhra Pradesh state border.

6. Do I need to register or apply for the scheme?

No registration is required. Simply present a valid ID proving Andhra Pradesh residency to the conductor when boarding an eligible bus.

7. Are there any safety measures in place for beneficiaries?

Yes, APSRTC has implemented:

• Body-worn cameras for women conductors.
• CCTV surveillance on buses.
• Improved amenities at bus stations, including seating, fans, drinking water, and toilets.

8. How is the scheme funded?

The Andhra Pradesh government reimburses APSRTC for the cost of free travel. The scheme has an initial allocation of ₹18.2 crore, with an estimated monthly cost of ₹162 crore and an annual cost of ₹1,942 crore.

9. How many people benefit from the scheme daily?

Approximately 26.95 lakh women and transgender individuals benefit daily, with an estimated total of 2.62 crore eligible beneficiaries across Andhra Pradesh.

10. Where can I get more information or report issues?

• Contact the APSRTC Helpline: 0866-2570005.
• Email: online.support@apsrtconline.in.
• Visit the official website: www.apsrtc.ap.gov.in.