According to the DMRC, one big problem in reviving the scheme is that the permits granted are not in the joint name of the corporation as well as the contractor operating it. “A contractor has to take loan to run these buses and they are often denied one because the permit is in DMRC’s name. A collateral security also has to be paid. In addition, since the last two years, the State Transport Authority has also begun to collect Rs. 2,400 per bus per month as a consolidated fee for using their bus shelters, which the contractors find unviable,” said a senior DMRC official. At present, 253 feeder buses are operating in the Capital to provide last mile connectivity from the metro stations to other destinations.
Another major issue that has stumped the DMRC is deciding upon the “routes”.
A source in the corporation said that several MLAs have approached the DMRC with requests to tweak the routes of feeder buses and if denied, permits for new buses get delayed.
“On August 31, DMRC had applied for 42 permits. Twelve permits are still awaited,” said another official.
Giving an example the source said, one MLA has made a request to tweak route of CR Park-Chirag Delhi feeder buses to CR Park-New Delhi route. “We are being asked to change a 5-km route to 22 kms. The basic idea of feeder buses were for short trips,” he said.
The transport department said it is working on an integrated plan for last-mile connectivity for which it has appointed a consultant. “The consultant is preparing a detailed map for this. The report shall have in detail which route would need which kind of transport mode. E-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, autos and buses – all shall be integrated,” said a transport official. The Delhi government said it is working on a proposal to introduce a new fleet of feeder buses which could have a seating capacity of around 80 people.
According to the DMRC,
one big problem in reviving the scheme is that the permits granted are not in the joint name of the corporation as well as the contractor operating it