Date:02/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/02/stories/2007060211260500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

RTC comes out with a gift to couples

Staff Reporter

Priced at Rs. 1,000, it allows four-day travel at a stretch

Facility will be made available at bus station in the State

The validity of the card is for six months

PASSENGER-FRIENDLY: APSRTC zonal chairman Jogi Ramesh launching the `couple gift card' at Pandit Nehru Bus Station in Vijayawada on Friday.

VIJAYAWADA: Jogi Ramesh, chairman of the APSRTC zonal advisory committee, on Friday launched the `couple gift card' scheme as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the organisation.

Addressing a meeting in this connection, Mr. Ramesh said the couple gift cards worth Rs. 1,000 each would be made available at every RTC bus station in the State. The card would allow two persons to travel across the State in RTC buses, barring vehicles with air conditioners, for four days at a stretch. The validity of the card would expire six months after the date of purchase.

Mr. Ramesh used the occasion to heap accolades on the Congress Government in the State and attributed the success of the otherwise loss-making corporation to the `innovative' schemes launched by the Government. He said the Government was committed to the development of the APSRTC.

Plea to staff

Pointing out that the organisation had earned profits to the tune of Rs. 2 crores in April this year in the region, he urged the workers to contribute their mite to the success of various passenger-friendly schemes by extending their support.

Mr. Ramesh also inaugurated five new bus services to places like Gudivada (non-stop service), Kavuluru, Jamalapuram and Chikkavaram. The organisation hired these buses to cater to the increasing demand.

A letter of appreciation sent by APSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director V. Dinesh Reddy to Traffic Inspector A. Srihari Prasad for his outstanding services was presented to the latter. APSRTC Executive Director for Vijayawada and Vizianagaram zones Damodar Das, Regional Manager M. Seetapathi and others were present.

Tyre Care Fortnight

GUNTUR: RTC Vijayawada and Vizianagaram Zones Executive Director C. Damodar Das launched `couple gift card' and `Tyre Care Fortnight' at Guntur Depot on Friday night.

The Executive Director said the travel had to be essentially on consecutive days and deferred travel would not be allowed.

At the function he also launched a programme called `Tyre Care Fortnight' and explained that each tyre had a lifespan if used properly.

The Guntur Regional Manger G. Jaya Rao was also present on the occasion.