APSRTC defers hike in the bus fare

Says CM not keen on fare hike

The APSRTC Board of Directors which met under the chairmanship of Transport Secretary, Ch. Ramachandran on Wednesday was attended by the APSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director, V Dinesh Reddy and other top officials. The Board has decided to deferred the hike in the bus fares.

The meeting assumed importance in the wake of the announcement of MD Dinesh Reddy's remarks in the recent past that the Corporation will hike the fares to increase the bus services and also to wipe off the losses being incurred in view of the price hike in the fuel prices. In the wake of his announcement, the opposition parties have threatened to launch an agitation. The Chief Minister, Dr.YS Rajasekhara Reddy sensing trouble intervened and directed the APSRTC not to further burden the people for the time being.

Sources says that there was a lengthy debate on the need for increasing the bus fares and the APSRTC officials made a presentation on the financial position of the Corporation which is in the process of making a turn around. The Transport Secretary, Chitra Ramachandran said that the bus fare hike was not on agenda but discussed cash inflows, performance of Corporation and st[es to be taken to strengthen the Corporation further.