The Hindu : New Delhi News : Delhi Metro gets first batch of feeder buses

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Oct 27, 2007
ePaper

New Delhi

New Delhi

Delhi Metro gets first batch of feeder buses

Staff Reporter

Specially customised by Tata, to start from some Metro stations

Photo: S. Subramanium

New arrival: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s feeder buses are all set for a trial run in the Capital on Friday.

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on Friday received the first batch of feeder buses that will be used to ferry commuters to Metro Railway stations. These buses are specially customised for DMRC by Tata and will act as a new feeder service from select Metro stations.

The buses are being fitted with the Global Positioning System gadget and will begin their trial run on Delhi’s roads from Saturday.

120 buses

“About 120 buses will run along 36 routes in a phased manner as the buses get supplied to DMRC by the manufacturer. At present they will run on a trial basis and the actual services will start soon,” said DMRC Chief Public Relations Officer Anuj Dayal.

He said 36 bus routes would be started in the first phase by November and of the total of 120 buses, nine have been received.

“The control centres for feeder bus services will be established at Welcome station, Kirti Nagar, Dwarka Sector 9 and Rohini East. The minimum fare on these feeder buses will be Rs. 5 and the maximum Rs. 8,” Mr. Dayal said. “The buses are environment-friendly with CNG engine and safety features. The entire scheme will become fully operational in two months. The State Transport Authority has made DMRC a licensee for these buses and it will enter into an agreement with the operator for running the same.”

The buses will run as a feeder service to the Metro on routes varying from 3 to 15 km around Metro stations. “The drivers will be trained and their photographs will be displayed in each bus. Every driver will have an authorised license and a public service vehicle badge. He will have to wear a uniform and will be given regular training including refresher courses after intervals,” Mr. Dayal said.

For cleanliness

An operator can be fined Rs.5,000 by the DMRC for failing to keep the bus clean. The operator will have to submit a performance security of Rs.2 lakh, which can be cashed for poor performance.

The buses will have to adhere to a speed limit of 35 to 40 km within the city and 45 to 50 km on roads with three to four lanes. The buses will also be equipped with first-aid box and fire extinguisher to meet exigencies.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail