In a move to encourage the middle and upper-middle class to use the public transport system, the Arvind Kejriwal Government is bringing an app based premium bus service to commute anywhere in the national Capital region along the lines of private cab aggregators.
Once implemented, the scheme would enable people to book a reserved seat on a bus through a mobile app. Addressing a press conference, the chief minister said the scheme will be notified following Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena's approval. The scheme is mainly for passengers willing to pay a premium for a convenient, comfortable, high-quality and efficient public transport service, which the bus operators would need to ensure.
"When the metro started in Delhi, many people stopped using two wheelers and started using the metro.
“But when metro trains started getting crowded, they again went back to using their own vehicles. People from the lower middle class and economy class travel in buses but with this scheme, people from the upper middle class will also opt for public transport," said Kejriwal adding that these environment-friendly buses will be equipped with Wi-Fi, GPS, and CCTV facilities, making travel very comfortable.
“By bringing the aggregator scheme for premium buses, Delhi has become the first state in the country to do so,” he said. Under this scheme, Kejriwal said, the aggregators who take licences will have to ply air-conditioned buses with not less than nine seats.
"No standing passengers will be allowed and the payment will be made digitally. The booking will also be done through an application.
“The aggregators will have to maintain fleets of a minimum of 25 buses.
From January 1, 2025, the entire bus fleet should be electric," he added.
Kejriwal said the routes for these buses will be decided based on the demand and the aggregators will just have to inform the Transport Department about them.
"The fares will be dynamic and not less than the peak fare of DTC air-conditioned buses. These buses will not compete with DTC buses," he said. The chief minister said these buses will also help reduce pollution and traffic congestion.
The Chief Minister mentioned that ever since coming to power in Delhi in 2015, it has been his government’s endevaour to introduce the Premium Bus Aggregator Scheme with the goal of reducing traffic and air pollution. After a long struggle of 8 years, it is likely to become a reality soon. Elaborating the scheme, Kejriwal said, "Since Delhi Metro became operational, Delhiites switched to the metro for transportation, discarding their personal vehicles. Gradually, the Delhi Metro became crowded, so people had to switch to their vehicle. We have increased the number of DTC buses in the city, and as per our survey, the DTC buses aren't very crowded. In these buses, mostly people belonging to the lower middle and lower economic class travel."
“All these luxury buses would be equipped with the facilities of AC, minimum 9 seats, Wi-Fi, GPS, CCTV, and standing won't be permitted. Seats can only be booked digitally; individuals can book their seats on the App just like airline seats. Only digital booking will be accepted, and the facility of 'on-the-bus booking' will not be there. These buses won't stop frequently, passengers will be picked up from their desired location,” he said.
According to the scheme, a licence holder shall ensure that no premium bus shall be engaged or acquired with a registration date beyond three years from the date of notification of the scheme.
"Subsequently, induction of any new premium bus, the prevailing emission norms, BS-VI must be compliant, either air-conditioned CNG or electric buses. After January 1, 2025 the induction of only electric buses shall be allowed. No CNG-operated bus even if having BS-VI compliance shall be allowed to be inducted under this scheme," the draft of the scheme said.