New Delhi: In a bid to encourage people to switch to public transport to bring down the vehicular pollution, the Delhi government has decided to slash the fares of DTC and cluster buses drastically by 75 per cent from January 1. A flat fare of Rs 5 in non-AC DTC and cluster buses and Rs 10 for travel in air-conditioned buses will be applicable for one month starting January 1 on a trial basis. At present, a ride in a AC bus can cost anywhere between Rs 10 to Rs 25, while the same in non-AC buses are from Rs 5 to Rs 15.The government has also decided to make DTC bus travel free for students up to the age of 21.
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 the end of this week.
The government is also planning to reduce the rate of monthly bus passes from Rs 800 to Rs 250 for non-AC buses and from Rs 1,000 to Rs 250 for AC buses.
Mr Jain said that the decision has been taken to encourage people to avoid using private vehicles and use public transport extensively to help the city bring down air pollution. “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 are also expected to do the same,” the transport minister said. Mr Jain also said that daily bus pass for non-AC is currently available for Rs 40 and Rs 50 for AC bus, but government will bring down the rate of both passes to Rs 20. 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.
“In order to address the situation (rising air pollution), it is imperative that lesser private vehicles are driven and more public transport is utilised,” Mr Jain said. At present, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has 4,355 buses while there are 1,600 cluster buses (orange).
