APSRTC unions to launch statewide signature drive from July 20

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of APSRTC Employees’ Unions will launch a statewide signature campaign from July 20 as part of the second phase of its agitation, urging the State government to strengthen the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC).

The campaign seeks four key measures: expansion of the APSRTC fleet, filling of nearly 15,000 vacancies, procurement of electric buses for exclusive operation by APSRTC instead of private agencies, and enhanced financial support to strengthen public transport services.

Addressing the media on Sunday, JAC conveners Y. Srinivasa Rao and Palisetti Damodara Rao said the implementation of the Stree Shakti scheme had increased APSRTC’s daily ridership by about 15 lakh passengers, resulting in a sharp rise in demand for bus services. They urged the government to induct a large number of new buses to meet the growing passenger demand.

The leaders said signatures collected from APSRTC employees across the State would be submitted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu through district collectors during the Grievance Day programme on July 27, along with a memorandum outlining the employees’ demands.

The JAC also sought the immediate expansion of the APSRTC fleet and the filling of nearly 15,000 vacant posts, including those of drivers, conductors, mechanics, supervisory staff, and employees in other departments. It urged the State government to enhance financial support to improve APSRTC’s operational efficiency, modernise its services, and strengthen the public transport system.

The conveners said the agitation was aimed at safeguarding public transport by making APSRTC a stronger, more efficient, and accessible organisation. They added that the third phase of the agitation would be launched in Vijayawada on July 30.