Delhi govt plans 145 new routes for DEVI buses, pilot project in Yamuna Vihar
According to a senior department official, currently, these buses are running on routes meant for the 12-m-long Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses, covering long distances. The DEVI buses, however, are meant to ensure last mile connectivity and ply in areas where the 12-m buses cannot enter.
'We observed that the ridership in the small buses are less when compared to the 12-m long buses, limiting their effectiveness. To address this, the government has collaborated with IIT Delhi to design a comprehensive new route plan,' said an official.
The key aim behind this plan is to improve bus connectivity in underserved localities and ensure better integration with Metro services, the official added. 'As many as 145 new routes have been identified for DEVI buses… These routes have been made keeping in mind the last mile connectivity, proximity to Metro stations… While Metro is a lifeline for many in Delhi, there is lack of transport facilities available for last mile connectivity.'
Officials said a pilot project will be started from Yamuna Vihar, following which the model will be implemented across the city.
Officials further said they plan to develop new bus stops for DEVI buses. 'Unlike the existing stops, these upcoming bus stops will be different. They will have small digital boards displaying information about bus routes, locations, bus numbers, as well as arrival and departure time. We are also consulting DMRC for this project,' said the official.
Moreover, officials said the DTC is planning a mega revamp in the ticketing system by introducing National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) smart cards for travel in buses and Metro. It is also planning to go cashless by introducing Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM) for bus journeys, they added. 'ETM machines have been deployed as a pilot project in three bus depots at Rajghat 2, Kalkaji and Hasanpur. These depots run around 700 buses. On these buses, more than 95% tickets are being sold using these ETMs,' said the official.
According to officials, people can tap their Metro or NCMC compliance smart cards on these machines and buy tickets. These cards can be used in both Metro and Rapid Rail.
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