Hyderabad: Lack of adequate bus services cause hardships for students and commuters

Despite an increase in the population and the demand for better connectivity, there has not been a corresponding rise in the number of buses or an improvement in route planning.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad, a bustling metropolis known for its growing population and expanding infrastructure, is facing a significant public transportation issue. Many commuters, particularly students, are struggling due to the lack of adequate and direct bus services in several key areas of the city.

For many students, affordable public transport is essential to commute between their homes and educational institutions. However, the lack of direct bus routes and limited availability of buses have made it increasingly difficult for them to reach their destinations on time.

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Students from areas like Alwal, Uppal, Madhapur, Ibrahimpatnam, Kukatpally, Shadnagar, Keshampet, Attapur, Amngal have voiced concerns about the infrequent bus services and the need to take multiple connections to reach colleges and universities. Metro buses are being operated in more numbers than ordinary buses. Similarly commuters from Mehdipatnam, Bahadurpura, Rethibowli, Kishanbagh and other areas too are facing issue.

“I have to change two buses every day to get to my college in Gachibowli, which not only takes a lot of time but is also exhausting,” said Radhika, a student from Uppal. “The buses are often crowded, and delays are common. It’s frustrating because we end up spending hours on the road every day.”

With the lack of direct bus services, many passengers have been forced to rely on private transport options like auto-rickshaws, cabs, and bike taxis. These alternatives, while convenient, are more expensive, putting a strain on the budgets of daily commuters. The issue is particularly pronounced during peak hours when the demand for buses is high, but the supply falls short.

“I spend almost double the amount on transport because I can’t find a direct bus from KPHB Colony to Hitec City,” said Ravi Kumar, an IT professional. “Using ride-hailing services every day is simply not sustainable for me in the long run.”

The problem is not limited to students alone. Working professionals, especially those commuting to major tech hubs like Hitec City, Gachibowli, and Financial District, face similar challenges. With limited bus frequency and a lack of direct routes, many are forced to either wait long hours for the next available bus or spend extra on private transport.

T Shalini, an office-goer from Mehdipatnam, highlighted the difficulty she faces each morning. “It takes me almost two hours to reach my office in Madhapur. First, I wait for the bus, then there are traffic jams, and finally, the bus takes a long, indirect route. I end up spending half of my workday commuting,” she lamented.

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has been struggling to keep up with the city’s rapid expansion. Despite an increase in the population and the demand for better connectivity, there has not been a corresponding rise in the number of buses or an improvement in route planning.

Suggestions include increasing the number of buses, introducing more direct routes, especially during peak hours, and implementing better traffic management strategies to ensure timely services.

“We are aware of the issues faced by commuters. We are working on a plan to increase the fleet and introduce new routes in high-demand areas,” a senior RTC official said. However, no timeline has been provided for when these improvements will be implemented.