FORGOTTEN HISTORY: Rtcs - The Untold Story

Transport activists and unions raise concerns over Karnataka RTCs’ contract model for bus operations

Following a recent protest by outsourced electric bus drivers of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), transport activists and transport employees’ unions are voicing opposition to the government’s operation of buses under the gross cost contract (GCC) model.

The Hindu · May 19, 2024

Karnataka RTCs take disciplinary action against 108 conductors for issuing ‘fake’ tickets under Shakti scheme

As the Karnataka government’s Shakti scheme that allows women to travel for free in State transport buses has received an overwhelming response, the road transport corporations have taken disciplinary action against 108 conductors from four RTCs for generating ‘fake’ tickets under the scheme.

The Hindu · Mar 4, 2024

BMTC mulling reintroduction of ‘Pink Buses’ in Bengaluru amidst Shakti scheme’s success

As Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme is seeing huge success and has led to an increased women ridership on buses, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is now considering the reintroduction of ‘Pink buses’ buses in Bengaluru.

The Hindu · Feb 11, 2024

BMTC to induct 921 non-AC Electric buses soon; all four RTCs to add 3,888 new buses to its fleet

BMTC to induct 921 electric buses from Tata Motors. KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, KKRTC to add 3,888 new buses. BMTC to purchase 840 BS-6 compliant buses, 100 electric buses under NCAP, 20 mini buses under SUTF. KSRTC to buy 620 buses, 300 electric buses under GCC. NWKRTC to buy 286 buses,…

The Hindu · Jul 18, 2023

Free bus travel for women in Karnataka | How does Shakti scheme work?

The Fare-Free Public Transport (FFPT) has been adopted in many countries and by various States in India. Australia and certain pockets of the U.S., among others, experimented with the concept for many years.

The Hindu · Jun 18, 2023

Karnataka Cabinet approves 15% salary hike for RTC employees

The State government on Thursday approved the enhancement of salaries of the employees and officers of the State-run road transport corporations (RTCs) by 15%.

The Hindu · Jun 15, 2023

Free bus for women sees 41.34 lakh passengers on Monday

‘Shakti’ scheme, which offers women free travel in non-premium services offered by the State–run Road Transport Corporations (RTCs), met the estimated target of beneficiaries on Monday, the first weekday the scheme was operational for. A total of 41.34 lakh women travelled free in RTC buses on the day. This cost…

The Hindu · Jun 13, 2023

RTCs to procure 1,894 buses to meet Shakti scheme demand

As the Karnataka government launched the Shakti scheme, the four corporations have planned to procure 1,894 new buses this year

The Hindu · Jun 11, 2023

‘Shakti’ for women: Free bus travel scheme rolled out in Karnataka

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday, June 11, launched the first among five poll guarantees, ‘Shakti’: a scheme which offers women free travel in non-premiere services offered by State–run Road Transport Corporations (RTCs).

The Hindu · Jun 11, 2023

Activist opposes making women apply for smart cards for free bus travel in Karnataka

The government intends to issue ‘Shakti Smart Card’ after receiving applications from women, including students, through the Seva Sindhu portal.

The Hindu · Jun 6, 2023