Across Andhra Pradesh, protest videos have begun circulating online, showing how drivers are making their grievances heard.
Published Aug 29, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 29, 2025 | 8:00 AM
AP's free bus scheme gives rise to concerns among auto drivers
Synopsis: With the policy still in its early days, much remains uncertain. For women passengers, the scheme has meant newfound ease in mobility. But for thousands of auto drivers, the move has brought instability.
It was hailed as a major welfare step when the Andhra Pradesh government introduced its free bus travel scheme for women on August 15, it was hailed as a major welfare step, since similar policies already in place in neighbouring Karnataka and Telangana.
However, in just ten days since its launch, the ripple effects of this scheme are already being felt—particularly among auto drivers, many of whom now struggle to adapt to a sudden drop in earnings.
The free bus scheme has undoubtedly brought a measure of relief to women, easing their daily commutes and reducing household expenses. Yet, as has been the case in other states, this relief has also triggered an unexpected crisis in the informal transport sector. For auto drivers, who depend on regular passenger flow, the reduction in ridership is proving difficult to manage.
Across Andhra Pradesh, protest videos have begun circulating online, showing how drivers are making their grievances heard.
In Vijayawada, auto drivers staged a demonstration demanding protection and support from the government.
In Eluru, the protest took a more dramatic form—drivers boarded a bus and started asking passengers for spare change to highlight how dire their financial situation had become.
Speaking to South First, representatives of auto unions across the state shared a picture of mounting anxiety. For the Sneha Auto Union in Tirupati, which has about 40 members, the impact has already been significant.
“We were and remain the more reliable source of transport to the town for most people,” said union president B Balaji. “But since the last 10 days, we have seen a major drop in our earnings. We earned about ₹750 a day, now we make much less.”
Balaji added that the loss in income is forcing members to contemplate abandoning the profession altogether.
“Some of my members are mulling over leaving the profession to take up other work. I am even thinking of moving away because of how bleak things look. Looks like there is no one to worry about us.”
In Eluru, union leaders are preparing to escalate their concerns. G Jayadevakrishna, president of the local auto union, explained to South First that discussions are underway to demand financial compensation.
“We’re considering requesting the state for ₹15,000 to cover our expenses. This would be in line with the ₹10,000 promised in Telangana, even though it remains unfulfilled there. At least they had the assurance of a promise. We do not even have that.”
For now, unions are still assessing the broader implications of the scheme and organising their demands. Jayadevakrishna said that drivers plan to meet local MLAs in the coming weeks to present their grievances.
With the policy still in its early days, much remains uncertain. For women passengers, the scheme has meant newfound ease in mobility. But for thousands of auto drivers, the move has brought instability.
The challenge for the state government will be to balance these competing interests. It remains to be seen if this scheme will mean something different for auto drivers or lead to similar turmoil like in Karnataka and Telangana.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
