Azharuddin | Hyderabad, Oct. 2 (Maxim News): Telangana Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin has welcomed the launch of the Metro RTC Common Pass, calling it an important step towards a more convenient, efficient and integrated public transport system in Hyderabad.
The common pass was launched on Friday by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka at Praja Bhavan. The initiative brings Hyderabad Metro Rail and TGSRTC city bus services under a common travel system.
Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Dr Vivek Venkatswamy, MLC Addanki Dayakar and Mohammed Azharuddin attended the launch programme.
The Deputy Chief Minister also purchased one-day Metro RTC Common Passes for Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, himself and 14 other ministers.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced that Bhatti Vikramarka and other ministers would travel by Metro from Begumpet at 10 am on Saturday using the Common Pass.
The daily Common Pass costs ₹400, comprising ₹300 for Metro travel and ₹100 for TGSRTC services. The monthly pass costs ₹8,500, including ₹7,000 for Metro and ₹1,500 for RTC services. The pass can be used on Metro services and city buses operating within the Outer Ring Road, with Pushpak services excluded.
Azharuddin Recalls Bus Journeys From His School Days
Speaking at the programme, Azharuddin said infrastructure development would achieve its full purpose only when supported by an efficient, comfortable and accessible public transport system.
“Along with infrastructure development, an effective and comfortable public transport system is equally essential. Telangana’s public transport system has developed significantly, and I appreciate the efforts being made by the Transport Department,” he said.
Recalling his younger days, Azharuddin said he had travelled mostly by bus and that footboard travel was common at the time.
“I myself travelled on the footboard two or three times near Begumpet Circle when I was young. On one occasion, someone pushed me from behind and I fell down. I was around 15 or 16 years old at the time,” he recalled.
He said financial circumstances during those years often meant that bus travel was the only available option. He added that public transport was not as comfortable as it is today.
“Today, the situation has changed completely. Telangana has a much-improved and accessible public transport system. I travel to many parts of the country, including Delhi, and I am very happy to see the progress being made in Telangana’s public transport sector,” he said.
Azharuddin appreciated the efforts of the Transport Department under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, with the support of Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and under the guidance of Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar.
He congratulated Transport Department officials, TGSRTC staff and the Metro team for strengthening public transport services.
Azharuddin said the Common Pass would allow commuters to use both Metro and bus services during the same journey.
“The common pass will enable passengers to use both Metro and bus services during the same journey. It will save passengers both time and money while making their travel more convenient,” he said.
He described the integration of different modes of public transport as an important step towards providing seamless connectivity to commuters.
Azharuddin also congratulated Ponnam Prabhakar and his team for their efforts in introducing the initiative.
He specifically appreciated TGSRTC MD Nagireddy, Metro team members including Satyanaarayana, and other officials and staff involved in the programme.
RTC, Metro and Autos to Work as an Integrated Network
Ponnam Prabhakar said the government was working to integrate RTC buses, Metro services and auto-rickshaws, with particular emphasis on first-mile and last-mile connectivity.
He said the government was also taking steps to address the welfare and livelihood concerns of auto drivers and would initiate the process of establishing an Auto Workers Welfare Board.
Ponnam said auto fares had remained unchanged for nearly 12 years. He said the government had revised fares while keeping the interests of commuters and the livelihood of auto drivers in view.
The Transport Minister also appealed to Bhatti Vikramarka to increase the monthly financial support to RTC from ₹300 crore to ₹350 crore. He sought an additional ₹50 crore and also raised the pending issues of retired RTC employees.
Ponnam highlighted the additional responsibility placed on RTC employees following the implementation of the Mahalakshmi scheme, which provides free bus travel to women.
He appreciated drivers, conductors and other RTC employees for handling the increased passenger load.
The government is also seeking to integrate RTC, Metro, autos and other modes of public transport through technology and eventually bring more services onto a common digital platform.
TGSRTC has also introduced the MeeTicket mobile application, which enables passengers to access paperless bus tickets and daily, weekly and monthly passes through their phones.
The Common Pass is available at Hyderabad Metro stations and can be used for Metro travel and eligible TGSRTC city bus services within the ORR. A ₹100 card charge is collected when the physical card is issued for the first time and is refundable when the card is returned.
Azharuddin said continued investment in public transport would benefit commuters and improve connectivity across Hyderabad.
He said better integration between different modes could also reduce dependence on private vehicles and help address traffic congestion and pollution.
The government has accorded priority to public transport under its Vision 2047 approach and aims to develop a comprehensive, safe, affordable and technology-enabled transport system for future generations. (Maxim News)
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