Delhi Metro to run feeder buses to make stations accessible

New Delhi, May 23 (UNI) The Delhi Metro will introduce feeder buses fitted with a Global Positioning System (GPS) to make metro stations easily accessible to commuters from far-off places in the capital.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) chief spokesman Anuj Dayal today said, "DMRC will soon launch a metro link bus service scheme under which we will purchase CNG-fitted feeder buses. They will be handed over to private operators." The buses will be handed over to the private operators on lease-and-transfer basis. The operators will be required to pay back the cost of the vehicles in five years after which they will become owners of the buses, Mr Dayal added.

Initially, it will purchase about 60 Swaraj Mazda/Tata and similar buses that will run on 36 routes. The number may be gradually increased subject to the viability of the project and decision of DMRC and the State Transport Authority (STA).

The buses will be fitted with the GPS so that their movements can be tracked. They will also have provision/equipment for using smart cards which may be made operational at a later stage.

The vehicles, to be run on compressed natural gas (CNG), will be equipped with first-aid boxes, fire extinguishers and seat covers.

Some of the Metro stations to be covered by these buses are Welcome, Shastri Park, Vishwa Vidyalaya, Inderlok, Keshav Puram, Netaji Subhas Place, Pitampura, Rohini East, Rohini West and Kirti Nagar.

Meanwhile, feeder buses to Metro stations which are already running under the STA permit will continue to operate as usual.

UNI