TGSRTC Struggles With 25 Per Cent Occupancy During Lean Afternoon Hours in Hyderabad

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) is facing operational challenges in Hyderabad as city buses record low occupancy rates during afternoon lean hours, dropping to as low as 25 per cent between 12 pm and 3 pm.

While city buses experience heavy rush during peak morning and evening hours, several services, including Metro Express and electric buses, run with numerous vacant seats during the middle of the day. Currently, over 3,500 city buses operate more than 30,000 trips daily across the capital region.

Heavy commuter demand is concentrated between 8 am and 11 am and again from 4 pm to 9 pm, driven by students, IT employees, and women passengers utilising the 'Mahalakshmi' free travel facility. However, passenger volume falls significantly in the intermediate hours.

Commuters and transport experts have urged the corporation to move away from rigid schedules and adopt flexible operations. Suggestions include introducing dynamic pricing or discounted fares during afternoon hours, as well as deploying smaller mini-buses on low-demand routes instead of full-sized vehicles.

Sunny, a commuter from Chikkadpally who regularly travels between Narayanaguda and Secunderabad Railway Station, noted that reduced frequency during afternoon hours often pushes passengers toward private vehicles and bike taxis.

RTC authorities stated that completely reducing services during lean periods on IT-corridor and college routes is difficult, as it affects residents in adjacent residential colonies. However, officials indicated that the corporation is redeploying available services toward high-demand points such as major bus stations, hospitals, and tourist destinations.