Transport Minister Gopal Rai took stock of the existing condition of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) here on Tuesday, the Delhi Government said in a statement.
Several decisions, aimed at improving the functioning of the public transporter and ostensibly to make the lives of its staff relatively easier, were taken at the said meeting where 60 Aam Aadmi Party MLAs were in attendance.
The most significant among these, in addition to route rationalisation, was a decision to transfer staff employed by the DTC closer to their respective areas of residence. This was welcomed by the Delhi Parivahan Mazdoor Sangh, which works for the rights of DTC employees.
“This is a very welcome development and will go a long way in improving the efficiency of the staff in its entirety. We have been suggesting similar measures over several years,” said K.C. Malik, the union body’s spokesperson. Mr. Malik, however, added a word of caution pertaining to the decision.
“Most of our staff are from Haryana. So, the government will have to exercise adequate diligence in ensuring that the decision doesn’t backfire with most staffers asking to be transferred to a handful of depots located in areas bordering Haryana,” Mr. Malik said.
Meanwhile, it was also decided to double the number of seats reserved for senior citizens on DTC buses from the existing number of two. An additional bus fleet of 50 each for Ghumanhera and Bawana bus depots to strengthen public transport in rural areas would also be provided and the government will also explore possibilities for procurement of mini and medium size buses.
Mr. Rai also directed DTC officials to make a plan for maximisation of existing resources in public interest, optimal utilisation of buses belonging to the DTC and Delhi Integrated Multi-modal Transit System.
