To encourage people to use public transport, the Delhi Government has decided to slash fares of DTC and cluster buses by whopping 75 per cent from January 1.

The Government has also decided to make DTC bus travel free for students up to the age of 21-years.

Delhi Transport Minister Satyendar Jain said though the decision to slash the fares has been taken, the Cabinet is expected to give a formal go ahead to the move following which the notification will be issued by end of this week.

The Government is also planning to reduce the rate of monthly bus pass from Rs800 to Rs250 for non-AC buses and from Rs1,000 to Rs250 for AC buses.

Jain said that the decision was taken to encourage people to shun their private vehicles and use public transport extensively to help the city bring down vehicular pollution.

The Minister said that there will be a flat fare of Rs5 in non-AC DTC and cluster buses while Rs10 will be in air-conditioned buses for one month on a trial basis.

At present, a ride in a AC bus can cost anywhere between Rs10 to 25 while the same in non-AC buses are from Rs5 to Rs15.

“By slashing fares drastically, people can be encouraged to use public transport extensively. I hope that with this decision, bike users will move towards public transport. Car users is also expected to do the same,” the Transport Minister also said.

Jain also said that daily bus pass for non-AC is currently available for Rs40 and Rs50 for AC bus, but the Government will bring down the rate of both pass services to Rs20 for one month.

“We are also planning to provide free travel to students of age up to 21 years so that they could be encouraged to use public transport,” he also said.

The Minister has directed the Transport department to submit a draft note by Thursday on the Government’s move that will be put up in the Cabinet meeting.