Stree Shakti free bus scheme marks first anniversary in Andhra Pradesh

The Stree Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel for women via the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), has completed its first year of operation. Since its inception, the program has recorded over 87 crore journeys.

Data indicates a significant shift in transit usage, with the daily average of female commuters rising from 9.47 lakh to 24 lakh. Women now represent 62 percent of all APSRTC passengers, an increase from 40 percent before the scheme was implemented. This has resulted in bus occupancy levels reaching 93 percent on covered routes.

To support the initiative, the state government provides a daily subsidy of Rs 8.53 crore, totaling Rs 3,095 crore in expenditure over the past year. The service is available across 7,631 buses, covering five categories including Express and City Ordinary services.

To mark the anniversary, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu traveled on an APSRTC bus from Amaravati to interact with beneficiaries. During the event, the Chief Minister emphasized the scheme's role in helping women save money and encouraged them to utilize other government initiatives.