RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM :
Calling upon the public to make better use of the city bus services and encourage the APSRTC to introduce more services in new routes, Home Minister N. Chinarajappa on Sunday said that there was no compromise with regard to introducing welfare schemes for the public and the not-so-good financial condition of the State was no deterrent.
Accompanied by MP M. Murali Mohan and local elected representatives, Mr. Rajappa launched the first-of-its-kind city bus services in three routes in the city from Satellite City here.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that the APSRTC was ensuring safe transport at reasonable fares for the benefit of commuters travelling between the city and nearby villages. “In the absence of city bus services, petty vendors and traders were forced to depend on other modes of transportation such as autorickshaws. Now, it is time for them to take the city buses for travel,” he said.
Mr. Murali Mohan said that at first 10 buses would be operated in three different routes in the city and, basing on the patronage, the APSRTC was ready to introduce 50 more buses in different routes connecting the city and the nearby villages. He said that plans were afoot to construct bus shelters where display boards would be installed with route maps and timings of the city services.
Heated exchange
Meanwhile, mild tension prevailed when women from Satellite City picked up an altercation with the elected representatives over the absence of drinking water supply to their area for the past few days. They sought to know when the water supply would be resumed. Even as Mr. Murali Mohan was trying to convince the women, Mr. Rajappa lost his cool and chided the women. Managing Director of the APSRTC M. Malakondaiah, Mayor Pantam Rajani Seshasai, MLA Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary and others were present.