RTC's Free Bus Boom: Women Drive Profits, Face Humiliation

• Free bus schemes in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are significantly boosting RTC revenues and bus occupancy.
• Despite government reimbursement for women's tickets, some RTC staff humiliate female passengers, treating them as a burden.
• The schemes have transformed RTCs from loss-making entities to profitable ones, leading to upgrades in buses and stations.
• Incidents include conductors preventing women from using empty "men's seats" and refusing "zero tickets" needed for government reimbursement.
• Governments are considering smart cards for women to streamline travel, eliminate "zero tickets," and reduce humiliation.

Why It Matters: Free bus schemes boost RTC revenue, yet women beneficiaries face staff disrespect.