Surat: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has made city bus and BRTS services free for senior citizens from April, prompting a strong response from beneficiaries across the city.

In just eight days since the scheme was launched, more than 3,300 senior citizens have obtained travel passes. The civic body is currently receiving around 500 to 550 applications daily for the passes, indicating growing interest in the initiative.

The SMC had announced that from April 1, senior citizens would be allowed to travel free of cost on all city buses and BRTS services without purchasing tickets. Following the implementation, a large number of elderly citizens have been visiting designated bus stations to get their passes issued.

Officials said the scheme has generated significant enthusiasm among senior citizens, with both men and women applying in large numbers. Each pass will remain valid for one year.

According to SMC, city buses and BRTS services cater to around 2.25 lakh passengers daily, with senior citizens forming a notable segment of daily commuters. The demand for free bus travel had been a long-standing request from senior citizens, and its approval has been widely welcomed.

The civic body expects the number of beneficiaries to rise further in the coming days and has made the necessary arrangements to accommodate the increasing demand. DeshGujarat