Lucknow, Oct. 27 -- Despite the shift toward luxury cars and SUVs among politicians, free bus travel remains a privilege for lawmakers in UP. New records from Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) show that state MPs, former legislators and their companions have availed nearly Rs.2.35 crore in free travel benefits over the last three financial years. This, however, is only a fraction of the Rs.121 crore free-travel bill incurred by the corporation across eight eligible categories between 2022-23 and 2024-25. The annual value of free travel rose nearly 31% during the period, from Rs.33.80 crore in 2022-23 to Rs.42.35 crore in 2023-24 and Rs.44.2 crore in 2024-25. While persons with disabilities and their companions accounted for the overwhelming share, the records also detail concessions extended to accredited journalists, freedom fighters, democracy defenders and recipients of national and state teaching awards. According to UPSRTC records, MPs elected from UP, along with their eligible companions, accounted for free travel worth Rs.8.90 lakh in 2024-25. The records listed 111 MPs and 25 companions under the category. The corresponding amount was Rs.8.90 lakh in 2023-24 and Rs.7.40 lakh in 2022-23. Former legislators accounted for a considerably higher amount. In 2024-25, the corporation recorded 721 passes issued to former MLAs and 147 companions, with concessions worth Rs.57.75 lakh. Similarly, 131 former MLC passes and 21 companions were recorded, accounting for Rs.10.50 lakh. Together, MPs and former legislators accounted for Rs.77.10 lakh in free travel during the year, compared with Rs.82 lakh in 2023-24 and Rs.70.30 lakh in 2022-23. However, the largest share of free-travel expenditure was recorded for persons with disabilities and their companions. The corporation raised bills worth Rs.115.40 crore under this category over three years, accounting for nearly 96% of the total expenditure. In 2024-25 alone, 32.10 lakh journeys were recorded, valued at Rs.42.60 crore. UPSRTC managing director Prabhu Narayan Singh said, "The corporation provides free travel to various categories of eligible passengers, and the expenditure is reimbursed by the respective government departments. While reimbursements are sometimes delayed, particularly due to financial year-end processing in March, the corporation generally receives the payments. These facilities not only benefit eligible passengers but also encourage greater use of public transport, helping improve ridership. We ensure timely submission of reimbursement claims and coordinate with the departments concerned to prevent the accumulation of pending dues." The number of journeys by persons with disabilities declined from 33.35 lakh in 2022-23 to 31 lakh in 2023-24 before rising to 32.15 lakh in 2024-25. Despite the overall decline in journeys compared with 2022-23, the value of free travel increased from Rs.32.20 crore to Rs.42.60 crore during the period. Accredited journalists also availed free travel worth Rs.1.20 crore over three years. Their journeys declined from 27,230 in 2022-23 to 23,880 in 2023-24 and 20,250 in 2024-25. The corresponding bills stood at nearly Rs.40 lakh, Rs.42.40 lakh and Rs.37.50 lakh, respectively. Democracy defenders and their companions accounted for free travel worth nearly Rs.1.49 crore during the three years. Their journeys declined from 43,980 in 2022-23 to 35,490 in 2023-24 and 30,140 in 2024-25....