Odd-even 2 is a success: Rai

NEW DELHI: Transport minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday said oddeven part 2 was success as more ‘people complied with the rule on Monday’, considered to be the car rationing scheme’s real test.

Rai, however, conceded that phase-2 was more challenging than phase-1 implemented in January because of the heat and schools.

“Last time the weather was better and schools were not open. This was the biggest challenge for us but we are happy that parents cooperated,” said Rai.

Quoting ridership figures of Metro and DTCbuses, Rai claimed more people were using public transport.

“DTC buses made 6,641 trips on Monday. The ridership of DTC buses had increased by 2.5 lakh and despite the heat, fewer number of buses broke down,” said Rai.

Sources, however, said the number of trips were higher because DTC was operating over 600 extra buses for odd-even. “We have prepared a detailed plan to tackle breakdowns. A central control room has been created. DTC and private company officials attend breakdown calls and mobilise the nearest team to help,” said RS Minhas, DTC spokesperson.

Rai said the DTC made a profit of `22 lakh as compared to the previous Monday and 41,11,327 people travelled on DTC buses on Monday -- an increase of 2.54 lakh over the previous Monday when odd-even was not there.

Even metro’s ridership increased by 3% as around 29 lakh people are travelling by Metro every day.