Govt wants free bus rides for students, senior citizens

NEWDELHI:Eyeing the Municipal election, which is scheduled for April, and to boost public transport, the Aam Aadmi Party government has come up with a fresh policy to give free rides and concessions in its buses.

The policy, if approved by lieutenant governor Anil Baijal, will make travelling in both DTC as well as cluster (orange) buses free for senior citizens, students up to 21 years of age, disabled persons, war widows, national award winners and freedom fighters.

Besides, women and students above 21 years of age will have to pay 75% less for their bus journeys. The proposal, aimed at encouraging people to use public transport, will make travelling in buses completely free for MLAs too — if they opt to use them.

If the L-G gives his nod then people will get to avail the scheme in just two weeks from now as sources said the government wants to roll it out before the model code of conduct is imposed for the MCD election. Dates for the elections are likely to be announced by mid-March.

Unlike its previous attempt where the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government had decided to slash DTC fares by 75% for a month for everyone, the new proposal includes only four categories Students up to 21 years

Senior citizens above 60 years Disabled persons

MLAs

Children 0-5 years

National award winners War-widows & freedom fighters Serving personnel of Delhi Police/Armed Forces/ Para-military forces in uniform having valid ID card

Serving DTC personnel

of those who will be eligible for discounted fares.

“Those belonging to EWS category, who have a monthly income of less than ₹20,000 will have to pay just ₹250 for a monthly pass instead of the existing rate of ₹1,000. Similar, discounts will be given to ration card holders, women and students above 21 years of age,” transport minister Satyendar Jain said on the sidelines of a foundation laying ceremony for an old-age home in Kanti Nagar.

In a first, the government is Women

Students above 21 years of age

Economically Weaker Section category –

Those who have income below ~20,000 per month

Below Poverty Line/Antyodya Anna Yojna Family members of food security card holders

also going to make the new passes valid for all AC and non-AC bus categories including those under the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and the Delhi Integrated Multi-modal Transit System (DIMTS) which operates the cluster buses.

Others, however, will get a monthly pass for all types of buses at ₹1,000 and a daily pass will be available at ₹50. The policy will be put up at the next cabinet meeting and after that it will be sent to the L-G for his approval, said sources.