The Transport Department of the Delhi government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Star Bus Services Pvt Ltd to run low floor buses before the commencement of the Commonwealth Games Commuters in the national capital can expect a smooth journey from October, with the Transport Department of the Delhi government signing of memorandum of understanding with Star Bus Services Pvt Ltd to run 40 low floor buses on 32 routes in South Delhi. Later the number of buses will be raised to 250. This is the first time that bus services in the capital will be operated by a private entity. According to a survey conducted by Shippingbiz360.com, a staggering 93% of the respondents feel that entry of private bus operators will ease transportation woes of passengers, whereas 7% feel the other way round.
 Safe ride
All the low floor buses to be run by the company will be equipped with global positioning system (GPS) and the services will commence before Commonwealth Games begin. In this context, Himanshu Sharma, proprietor of Sharma Transport Service, a mid-sized transportation firm in New Delhi, says, “With the commencement of the Commonwealth Games, number of commuters will increase manifold. There will be several foreigners coming to watch the games and we expect them to enjoy a pleasant and safe ride by availing the services of Star Bus Services Private Ltd.”
The company will buy its buses from either Tata Motors or Ashok Leyland, which have been providing low floor buses to the Delhi government too. According to Aman Mehra, director of Balaji Roadways, a mid-sized transportation firm in New Delhi, “Opening the transportation sector to private entities is an important step undertaken by the government to provide world-class transportation facilities in the national capital. In the past few years, killer blue line buses have dominated headlines, which have marred the image of the capital city.” While the operator will be remunerated on the basis of every kilometre, the buses fares will be determined by the Transport Department.
Arup Choudhury |
