The need for ‘ladies’ special’ bus services is increasingly being felt in the old city. The demand has gone up in the last few years after women in old city have started heading to educational institutions and workplaces.
As of now, authorities do not operate any exclusive service for women in the old city and in the past too the concept was never implemented. “Women passengers feel such services will give them a secure and a hassle-free journey,” says Mohd. Azam, a resident of the old city.
The APSRTC operates buses for different parts of the city from many areas of old city. In fact, the services received a major boost after mini buses were introduced here keeping in mind the narrow roads. The Falaknuma bus depot was allotted 43 mini buses out of which 39 buses are operated on different routes. In absence of any exclusive services for women, many travel in common buses even if it means facing the crowds and groups of antisocial elements.
“Even the mini buses run fully packed during the peak hours forcing women to prefer alternatives like shared autos to avoid harassment. Ladies’ special services in the morning and evening could be a viable solution,” feels Najamuddin, a parent who resides in Vattepally.
Buses to Secunderabad, Mehdipatnam, Sanathnagar, L.B.Nagar to name a few operate from different routes in old city. A good part of the commuters are girl students and working women.
The authorities can start the services on experimental basis and later extend them depending upon the necessity, feel the people.
“There is a need for exclusive buses for women and we will represent the matter to the authorities,” said Mohd. Mubeen, corporator of Ramnaspura division. A similar opinion is shared by Uppuguda corporator, A. Samad Ahmed. When contacted, APSRTC Charminar Divisional Manager, N. Sucharitha, said, “We have already started remodelling the seating arrangement in mini buses. We will look into the issue of ladies’ special services if representations are made.”
