New Delhi, Nov 22: In a notable development, the Delhi government has officially rolled out the Delhi Motor Vehicles Licensing of Aggregator (Premium Buses) Scheme, 2023. This move is seen as a visionary step toward transforming public transportation and addressing issues related to congestion and pollution in the city. Aggregator licenses, granted for an initial period of five years, are designed to encourage a modal shift in intra-city journeys through premium bus services.
According to the scheme, a “Premium Bus” is defined as any luxury public bus with a seating capacity of not less than 9 passengers, fully air-conditioned, and equipped with pre-reserved reclining seats, Wifi, GPS, and CCTV. The license holders have the flexibility to determine potential routes for operating their premium buses.
Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot commented on the significance of the scheme, stating, “The notification of the Delhi Motor Vehicles Licensing of Aggregator (Premium Buses) Scheme, 2023 is a visionary step toward transforming public transportation and reducing the burden of congestion and pollution. With the introduction of this scheme, we are not just connecting destinations; we are paving the way to a greener and smarter future. Our focus is clear: offer the best quality service while safeguarding the environment.”
The Premium Bus services are intended to provide exceptional quality, comfort, and reliability, aiming to reduce congestion and air pollution in the city while promoting sustainable and convenient public transportation.
Key features of the scheme include dynamic fares that shall not be lower than the peak fare of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) AC buses. Additionally, only pre-booked digital ticketing is permissible, with no physical tickets issued. All charges from passengers are required to be collected exclusively through electronic or digital payment modes.
The scheme reflects the government’s commitment to revolutionizing public transportation and creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban mobility system in Delhi.
