Delhi: 600 private buses on road to boost public transport

NEW DELHI: Commuters are likely to get some relief from Monday with more private buses hitting the roads as part of the extended ‘Paryavaran Bus Service’, originally started to augment public transport as Delhi faced an air emergency in November 2021.
With the Level 1 (Yellow) of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP) in place, only 50% seating is allowed in public transport buses and standing passengers are not permitted. While the existing fleet of buses in the capital already finds it difficult to accommodate the growing demand, the major dip in the carrying capacity has made it tougher for commuters to find a bus.
“The buses engaged under the Paryavaran Bus Service, mostly private chartered buses, were provided special permits to pick and drop passengers while plying on routes fixed by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). While the permits had expired, these buses have now been re-engaged till January 31 and the special permits have been renewed,” an official said.