City buses in Hyderabad experienced a huge rush as people anticipated the launch of the Maha Lakshmi Scheme, which offers free bus travel for girls, women, and transgenders. Many women boarded buses for the first free ride without knowing the exact date of the scheme’s commencement.
Almost all buses in the city are full, particularly the women’s section, which is crowded with passengers of all ages. The conductors faced difficulties in managing the crowd and explaining that the free services would start on Saturday. Some women even got off the bus midway.
A bus conductor stated that many women passengers sought clarification on the required proofs and the applicability of the scheme to all services. The conductor was surprised by the large crowd and found it challenging to explain that the free scheme would only begin on Saturday. Several women refused to buy tickets.
One daily passenger named Radhika expressed her surprise at the rush during the early morning hours. She, like many others, had boarded the bus assuming that the free service had already started. However, later she learned that the scheme would commence on Saturday. Radhika appreciated the convenience of not having to worry about change and only needing to show her Aadhaar card for the free ride.
Another passenger named Ramana mentioned that people were eager to take advantage of the free bus rides, especially those who frequently travel long distances within the city and spend a significant amount of money on bus fares.
