New RTC-Metro common pass makes Hyderabad travel easier.
Hyderabad: The Telangana government has introduced an integrated travel pass that allows commuters to use both Hyderabad Metro Rail and TGSRTC city buses with a single pass, marking a major step towards improving public transport connectivity in the city.
The common RTC-Metro pass was launched on October 2 at Praja Bhavan by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, along with Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Ministers Vivek Venkataswamy and Mohammed Azharuddin, and senior government officials.
One Pass for Metro and RTC Buses
The newly introduced pass can be used for travel on Hyderabad Metro trains and TGSRTC city buses operating within the Outer Ring Road limits. Pushpak airport bus services are not included under the scheme.
Passengers can purchase the common pass at Metro stations. A refundable security deposit of Rs 100 will be collected for the travel card.
The daily common pass costs Rs 400, which includes Rs 300 towards Metro travel and Rs 100 for RTC bus services.
A monthly integrated pass is priced at Rs 8,500, including Rs 7,000 for Metro travel and Rs 1,500 for RTC bus services.
The government expects the integrated travel system to improve first-mile and last-mile connectivity, encourage more people to choose public transport and help reduce traffic congestion and pollution across Hyderabad.
TGSRTC Introduces MeeTicket App
Along with the common travel pass, TGSRTC also launched the MeeTicket mobile application to simplify bus ticketing for passengers.
Through the app, commuters can select their boarding point and destination, make digital payments and receive tickets carrying dynamic QR codes.
Passengers can also purchase daily, weekly and monthly bus passes directly through the application.
A new digital weekly bus pass priced at Rs 600 has also been introduced. The pass can be purchased or renewed online without the need to visit a ticket counter.
Telangana Revises Auto-Rickshaw Fares
The Telangana government also announced a revision of auto-rickshaw fares after around 12 years.
Under the revised fare structure, passengers will pay a minimum fare of Rs 30 for the first 1.6 kilometres. An additional Rs 14 per kilometre will be charged after that.
Waiting charges have been fixed at 75 paise per minute, while luggage charges will be applicable at 50 paise, subject to a maximum permitted luggage weight of 100 kg.
For journeys between 11 pm and 5 am, commuters will have to pay a night surcharge of 1.5 times the normal fare.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar also said the government would begin the process of establishing a dedicated welfare board for auto-rickshaw workers.
The introduction of the RTC-Metro common pass, digital ticketing facilities and revised transport fares is expected to make Hyderabad’s public transport network more integrated and convenient for daily commuters.
