Delay in slashed DTC fares sparks fights
NEW DELHI: Passengers were in a for a shock on Monday when they were told that the reduced fares of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses were yet to be implemented.
Many conductors and drivers told HT that on some routes passengers argued with them when they charged the usual rate. The Delhi government had announced in December that the fares of DTC buses will be slashed by 75% for a month from January 1 to 31, to encourage Delhiites to use public transport.
“At least a dozen people have asked me about the deducted fare. Some even argued with me and threatened me. We did not get any information to charge less from passengers, then how can we take less money from them?” said a conductor on the RL-77 route, which goes from Madhu Vihar in southwest Delhi to the New Delhi Railway Station.Others also complained of facing similar problems with passengers.
Thirty three-year-old Mahavir Yadav said a woman showed her a clipping of a newspaper to prove her point. She told him that the government had announced that a flat fare of ₹5 for all the low floor non-AC (green) and cluster (orange) buses and ₹10 for the low floor AC (maroon) buses will be implemented, starting Sunday.
“Soon a crowd gathered supporting her and I did not know what to do. I told her that the deducted fares might be implemented in a few days,” Yadav said.
HT had reported on Monday that it might take another week for the implementation of the deducted fares in DTC buses. The government has sought comments from different departments on slashing the fares and they are waiting for a review before the file is finally sent to the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) for approval.
The delay has left the DTC in a fix.“If passengers are demanding 75% lower tickets, our conductors can’t do it. The DTC has not received the notification yet,” said a DTC official.
The passengers are angry. “Why did the government make such announcements if they cannot deliver? If you publicise slashing fares then you should also let the people know when there is some delay,” said Mayur Sinha, at Mathura Road.