The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) Employees Union has voiced grave concerns regarding a noticeable increase in assaults against its bus crew members while they are on duty.
In a formal letter addressed to the corporation’s Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, union leaders P. Damodara Rao (State president) and G.V. Narasayya (State general secretary) highlighted the tireless efforts of ground-level staff in making the ‘Stree Shakthi’ scheme a success.
However, this dedication comes at a cost. They explained that the scarcity of buses for ‘Stree Shakthi’ routes leads to severe overcrowding, placing immense pressure on drivers and conductors. Compounding this challenge are frequent and deeply unsettling incidents where unruly individuals, often under the influence of alcohol, verbally abuse or physically attack the bus crew.
To combat these alarming trends, the union leaders are calling for immediate and stringent action against anyone found assaulting staff. They proposed that the government launch a public awareness campaign urging passengers to cooperate with RTC employees and install clear warning signs inside buses and at all bus stations, detailing penalties for such disruptive behavior.
Further recommendations include ensuring ‘Stree Shakthi’ buses only stop at authorized locations, requiring passengers to board solely at designated stops with exact change for tickets, and mandating that beneficiaries of the scheme carry their Aadhaar cards for verification.
Ultimately, the union implored APSRTC management to expand its bus fleet and recruit more personnel to truly support and effectively implement the ‘Stree Shakthi’ scheme, alleviating the current pressures on its dedicated workforce.