The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has unveiled a series of initiatives that promise to make public transportation in the city more accessible and inclusive. During a special general meeting today, Transport President Ramila Patel highlighted the growth of the city's bus services and announced significant concessions aimed at benefiting women, children, students, and senior citizens.
Before the inception of the Municipal Corporation's bus service, rickshaws in Surat were notorious for overcrowding and overcharging passengers. The situation has been transformed with the introduction of CT and BRTS buses by the Municipal Corporation. These buses now accommodate daily travel for 2.5 lakh passengers.
Affordable Travel for All
Ramila Patel shared that students, senior citizens, and women can now enjoy unlimited travel throughout the year by paying a nominal fee of just Rs 1000. This initiative aims to make public transportation a more affordable and convenient option for the city's residents.
Special Concessions for Women and Children
In addition to these broader measures, Patel made two important announcements specifically targeting women and children. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the upcoming Indian festival celebrating the bond between siblings, women and children will be able to travel free of cost on BRTS and CT buses, continuing a tradition started last year.
Furthermore, a women-only bus route will be launched between ONGC and Sarthana on a pilot basis. This initiative reflects the Municipal Corporation's commitment to creating a safe and comfortable commuting environment for women.
The Surat Municipal Corporation's new policies are poised to bring positive change to the city's public transportation system. By addressing concerns related to affordability, accessibility, and safety, these initiatives reflect a progressive approach towards making public transport a preferred choice for all sections of society.
