The Society for Employment Promotion and Training in Twin Cities (SETWIN) is mulling a two-fold increase in its fleet so as to provide last-mile connectivity for Hyderabad Metro Rail passengers.
Established in 1978 in undivided Andhra Pradesh, the SETWIN is an organisation which provides training to beneficiaries belonging to various communities in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It also runs a scheme for those from economically weaker sections of society and administrates running of mini buses by its beneficiaries.
According to SETWIN Chairman Mir Inayat Ali Baqri, plans are afoot to add another 200 buses to its existing fleet of 100 playing in various routes in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits.
“The idea is to provide bus services within a five-kilometre radius of Hyderabad Metro stations.
We have floated the idea to the government. We want to have electric buses. We are waiting for clearance from the government,” he said.
Apart from this, Mr. Baqri said SETWIN is also planning to procure 500 auto rickshaws and has approached several autorickshaw drivers’ unions explaining to them the idea. “They have expressed their support. We are working on this proposal as well,” he said.
If plans are approved by the Telangana government, the SETWIN will call for applications from potential beneficiaries and liaise to provide them loans to procure the buses and auto rickshaws.
Each bus will have a driver, an attendant and a conductor.