Hyderabad: Commuters travelling by bus may soon be able to complete their entire journey from their doorstep to the final destination without worrying about finding an auto at either end. Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) is preparing to introduce an integrated electric auto-rickshaw service to bridge first-mile and last-mile connectivity, allowing passengers to book both bus and auto rides together under a single ticketing system.The corporation is in the process of signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with electric auto manufacturers to roll out the service. Under the proposed model, electric autos will be deployed to ferry passengers from their homes or nearby locations to designated bus boarding points before the start of their journey. Similarly, after alighting from a bus, passengers can use the same integrated service to reach their final destination without having to search for local transport.
The initiative is aimed particularly at long-distance passengers arriving from other districts or neighbouring states, many of whom often struggle to find reliable and affordable transport after reaching bus stations.Passengers will be able to book the auto ride along with their bus ticket through TGSRTC’s booking platform, eliminating the need for separate bookings or fare negotiations. The corporation is working on integrating the ticketing and scheduling systems so that both services can be reserved in a single transaction.Initially, the service is expected to be introduced in the Greater Hyderabad region, where passenger volumes are the highest and connectivity gaps are more pronounced. Based on the response and operational experience, TGSRTC plans to gradually expand the model to other major cities across Telangana.A senior TGSRTC official said the corporation is focusing on making public transport more convenient beyond the bus journey itself. “The objective is to provide seamless first-mile and last-mile connectivity so that passengers can complete their entire trip through an integrated public transport system,” the official added.Officials said the initiative also aligns with the corporation’s broader push towards sustainable mobility by promoting electric vehicles while encouraging greater use of public transport.
