The Delhi government has sent a file proposing reduction in fares of DTC and cluster buses by 75 per cent to Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal for approval.
Last month, Mr. Baijal's predecessor Najeeb Jung had suggested that the AAP government reduce fares of DTC and cluster buses for one month to encourage people to use public transport in a bid to bring down the rising air pollution in the Capital.
Flat rate
“We have sent the file to the L-G for his approval. We hope that the L-G will give his nod in a day or two. The government is slashing fares to cut down the pollution level,” Transport Minister Satyendra Jain said.
As per the proposal, there will be a flat fare of ₹5 in all non-air-conditioned DTC and cluster buses, and ₹10 in all air-conditioned buses for a month. This is being done on a trial basis.
At present, a ride in an AC bus can cost anywhere from ₹10 to ₹25 and ₹5 to ₹15 in non-AC buses.
Sources said that some officers had objected to the government’s proposal saying that the move could cause financial loss to the public transporter.
However, a senior government official said that the DTC is already incurring losses, and reduction in fares will not have a big impact on its financial condition.
Move was delayed
The reduction in fares of DTC and cluster bus was scheduled to come into effect from January 1. However, it was delayed as the government had sought comments from various departments on the proposal. The government also plans to cut monthly bus pass rates from ₹800 to ₹250 for non-AC buses, and from ₹1,000 to ₹250 for AC buses.
