Hyderabad: Telangana Minister Vivek Venkataswamy backed the RTC-Metro common pass and called for stronger public transport connectivity in Hyderabad. He spoke at the launch programme at Praja Bhavan on Friday. The State government launched the common pass to allow commuters to use Metro and RTC services through a single pass.
Vivek Venkataswamy said Hyderabad, Secunderabad and Rangareddy were witnessing rapid urbanisation. Therefore, he stressed the need to expand public transport services in line with the growing demand.
He also credited the government led by Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar with improving RTC bus services in Hyderabad. In addition, he appreciated measures such as free bus travel for women and the introduction of new buses.
According to the Minister, the government had spent around ₹12,000 crore on the free bus travel scheme for women. He said the spending reflected the government’s focus on expanding access to public transport.
The Vivek Venkataswamy common pass remarks also focused on Metro and RTC coordination. He said stronger integration between the two systems could make daily journeys easier for passengers.
Vivek Venkataswamy common pass push targets last-mile connectivity
Venkataswamy called for more RTC buses to connect with Metro stations. He said better connectivity could address the last-mile travel needs of passengers. Furthermore, he said greater use of public transport could help reduce traffic congestion in Hyderabad.
The Minister also said the government was paying special attention to the problems faced by auto-rickshaw drivers. In particular, he referred to fare-related issues. He said the government would hold discussions with auto drivers and take appropriate measures to address their concerns.
Meanwhile, Venkataswamy described the RTC-Metro common pass as another step towards strengthening public transport. The common pass allows commuters to use both Metro and RTC services through one travel arrangement.
He said the government’s objective was to provide people with better, affordable and convenient transport. He also congratulated Ponnam Prabhakar for taking up the common-pass initiative.
The common pass launched on Friday costs ₹400 for a daily pass and ₹8,500 for a monthly pass. The facility covers Hyderabad Metro services and eligible TGSRTC city buses within the Outer Ring Road limits, while Pushpak services remain excluded.
ప్రజాభవన్లో ఆర్టీసీ కామన్ పాస్ ప్రారంభోత్సవ కార్యక్రమంలో పాల్గొన్నాను. హైదరాబాద్, సికింద్రాబాద్, రంగారెడ్డి ప్రాంతాల్లో పెరుగుతున్న అర్బనైజేషన్కు అనుగుణంగా ప్రజా రవాణా సౌకర్యాలను మరింత విస్తరించాల్సిన అవసరం ఉంది. మంత్రి పొన్నం ప్రభాకర్ గారి ఆధ్వర్యంలో ప్రజా ప్రభుత్వం ఏర్పడిన… pic.twitter.com/7dVgbwg6Px
— Dr Vivek Venkatswamy (@VivekVenkatswam) October 2, 2026