New Delhi:
With odd-even formula restricting plying of private vehicles starting from January 1, Delhi government today said that it will start a four-day registration process for 6,000 private buses that would run under 'DTC Paryavaran Bus Sewa' in the national capital.
Transport Minister Gopal Rai said that these 6,000 buses, including 2,000 school buses, will ply under cluster scheme and government will conduct a trial of 'DTC Paryavaran Bus Sewa' on December 27 before starting the service on January 1.
On December 4, the Arvind Kejriwal government had announced that 4,000 buses will be "general" buses while 2,000 buses to be taken from schools after their duty hours will have 50 per cent seats reserved for women.
"Government will begin the four-day registration process, starting from December 17, for such buses. After their registration under 'DTC Prayawaran Bus Sewa', they will operate under DTC," Mr Rai said, adding that bus passes issued by DTC will also be applicable in these buses.
The government has also issued a helpline number - 011, 23370209 - for interested applicants who want to register themselves with this new bus service.
He said the strength of buses in the city will increase to 12,000 from existing 6,000. Besides, rules are being relaxed to allow more autos on the road.
In view of providing last mile connectivity in Delhi, the AAP government will also cut down Metro feeder bus routes to ensure that people don't have to face problems while using public transport.
"At present, Metro feeder bus ferry passengers up to 10 or 15 km passing through several metro stations.
"During a 15-day trial period of Odd-Even formula, government will bring down Metro feeder bus routes to 5-7 km till a metro station to provide last mile connectivity to commuters," the minister said.
Delhi government will bring all auto-rickshaws and taxis under one App facilitating commuters to book them through smartphones.
PoochO app will be launched on December 22, a day when Car-Free Day will be organised on Vikas Marg in East Delhi's Lakshmi Nagar area.
Mr Rai had recently held a meeting with representatives of city's auto and taxi unions to roll out a plan so that people wont have to face problems in hiring taxis and auto-rickshaws from January 1 to 15.