Despite Delhi Metro’s popularity among Delhiites, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus service still holds a special place among a sizeable populace. The DTC’s daily ridership is more as compared to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
As per the outcome status report, presented before the Delhi Assembly on Monday by the Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, “The average daily ridership of DTC buses has increased by two lakhs in comparison to the 2,01617. The average ridership in DTC bus is 42.03 lakh, while in Delhi Metro, the ridership it is 25.01 lakh”, the outcome report stated.
Interestingly, the report also shows that the number of buses in the DTC clusters have slightly decreased as compared to the previous financial year as there were total 5692 buses with DTC in 2017 whereas it has decreased to 5681 in 2018.
However, the Delhi Transport Department claimed that the number of fleets in Delhi will increase by 51 per cent as the procurement of 3000 more buses is under process which will be completed by 2020.
“There is decrease in buses as few buses were scrapped as they crossed their age-limit.
Further, 3000 more buses which are under process will be soon plying on the road of city by next year. Among the total buses, 2000 buses (Standard Floor and Low Floor buses will be soon serve the public by august as the delivery is awaiting,” said a transport official.
The outcome status report claims that the capacity of bus depot has been increased by 41 percent in 2018 as compared to the previous year. Till 2015, capacities of the depots were around 5000 buses while now it can accommodate 2000 more buses.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government further claimed that it was the first in the country to launch common mobility card in India which allowed Delhi metro card to be used on buses.
“A total 24 lakh bus tickets has been issued through ONE card (common mobility card) since it was launched. Further CCTV cameras and panic Buttons to which the tender has been floated will be installed soon in all the buses for the safety of commuters especially women.
Besides, this the construction of modern bus terminal facilities are under process in Najafgarh, Azadpur, Nehru Place and other places,” the report States.
