Mohalla Bus Service in Delhi: A Potential Game Changer?
The Mohalla Bus Service has the potential to be a game-changer for Delhi’s transportation system. It is a sustainable, affordable, and accessible way for people to travel around the city.
Delhi’s Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot has announced today that the first phase of the Mohalla Bus Service in Delhi will be operational in Delhi from December 2023.
The Aam Admi Party Government announced the Mohalla Bus Service in April 2023 and has expressed that this special bus service will significantly improve last-mile connectivity in the city, especially in congested areas.
According to the press release by the government, the bus service is based on a short-route, high-frequency model that has been proven to be effective in other cities around the world.
The Delhi government has also revealed that it is launching the Mohalla Bus Service in Delhi after consulting with both national and international experts.
Experts from South Korea, Colombia, and the United States were consulted to glean invaluable insights and lessons from their successful implementation of similar schemes in their own countries.
Let’s take a detailed look at the Mohalla bus service in Delhi including bus types, routes and schedules, bus fares, and plans of the scheme.
What is the Mohalla Bus Service in Delhi?
The Mohalla Bus Service in Delhi is an innovative public transportation system that was conceived in 2023 by the Government of Delhi. The scheme is expected to start by December 2023.
The Mohalla Bus Service is designed to provide last-mile connectivity to residents of Delhi, especially those living in congested areas with narrow roads.
The Mohalla Bus Service will be launched with an initial fleet of 100 buses.
While the exact routes for the service are still being finalized, they will be designed to connect metro stations, commercial centers, and residential neighborhoods.
Gahlot mentioned that these buses would operate in a circular route within a neighborhood, facilitating easy access for residents to reach nearby metro stations, markets, or hospitals.
While the buses are owned by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), operations will be handled by the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS).
One of the key features of the Mohalla Bus Service is that it will be free for women. This is part of the Delhi government’s efforts to make public transportation more accessible and affordable for women.
Why was the Mohalla Bus Service Launched?
The Mohalla Bus Service will be launched to address a number of challenges facing Delhi’s transportation system.
First, Delhi is a very congested city, with a large number of vehicles on the road. This congestion can lead to long commute times and air pollution.
Second, Delhi has a large number of narrow roads and alleyways, which can make it difficult for traditional buses to operate.
Third, many residents of Delhi live in low-income areas and cannot afford to use private transportation.
The Mohalla Bus Service is designed to address all of these challenges. The scheme will employ smaller nine-meter electric buses that will be fully air-conditioned.
Smaller buses will be more maneuverable and will be more efficient in operating in narrow streets and congested areas.
The fare structure of the Mohalla Bus Service in Delhi is affordable, making it accessible to people of all income levels.
These buses will be free for women.
Features of the Mohalla Bus Service
The Mohalla Bus Service has a number of features that make it a convenient and affordable way to travel.
Bus Type and Size
The Mohalla Bus Service in Delhi uses nine-meter-long electric buses. These buses are smaller and more maneuverable than traditional buses, making them ideal for operating in narrow streets and congested areas.
The buses are also air-conditioned and have comfortable seats, making them a comfortable way to travel.
Mohalla Bus Fare Structure
The government has announced a simple bus fare structure for this service. Passengers can purchase a single bus ticket for ₹10 or a daily bus pass for ₹30.
The daily pass is valid for unlimited rides on the Mohalla Bus Service on the day of purchase.
The Mohalla Bus Service will be free for women.
Accessibility Features
The Mohalla Bus Service has been designed to make it accessible to people with disabilities. The buses have ramps and low floors, and they are equipped with special seats for people with disabilities.
The buses also have trained staff who can assist passengers with disabilities.
Safety Features
All buses within the Mohalla Bus Service in Delhi will be equipped with a slew of safety features including panic buttons, CCTV cameras, and GPS tracking systems.
The AAP government has also assured that these buses are driven by experienced and trained drivers.
What are the Benefits of the Mohalla Bus Service?
The Mohalla Bus Service in offers several benefits aimed at improving transportation in Delhi. Here are some of the key benefits of the Mohalla Bus Service in Delhi:
- Enhanced Last-Mile Connectivity: The service is designed to provide better access to public transportation for residents, particularly in congested areas, making it easier for them to reach their final destinations.
- Affordable Transportation: The initiative aims to address the issue of expensive transportation by offering a cost-effective alternative, thus making commuting more affordable for Delhi residents.
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: By encouraging the use of public transport, the Mohalla Bus Service helps reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing traffic congestion.
- Environmentally Friendly: The service will use electric small and medium-sized buses, contributing to the reduction of air pollution and promoting a cleaner environment.
- High-Frequency Service: The short-route, high-frequency model ensures that buses run more frequently, reducing waiting times and making travel more convenient for commuters.
Future Plans
The Government of Delhi has plans to expand the Mohalla Bus Service in the coming years. The government plans to add more buses to the fleet and to expand the service to new areas of the city.
The government is also committed to making the service more accessible to people with disabilities and to improving the safety of the service.
Conclusion
The Mohalla Bus Service in Delhi is a promising initiative that has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of the city’s residents.
It is an affordable and convenient service that will make it easier for people to travel to nearby markets, hospitals, and other places for daily chores.
It is also commendable that the buses are free for women, which will encourage more women to take up public transport.
However, it is important to note that the service has not yet started, so only time will tell if it lives up to the promises made by the government of Delhi.
