The city government is planning to introduce “smart comfort taxis” in the national capital that would not only be “eco-friendly” but also a cheaper alternative to autorickshaws. It is also actively considering a proposal of introducing a common mobility card which would work in all modes of public transport. Delhi tourism and transport minister Gopal Rai said the government was working on providing an alternative to autorickshaws which is not only eco-friendly but also likely to be cheaper to avoid “burning a hole” in people’s pockets. “The idea is being considered to address the problem of last mile connectivity in Delhi,” he said. Mr Rai was addressing the gathering at the “Smart Transportation Infra Summit 2015” organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). “Despite Metro being a saviour and efforts being made to make public bus transport system smooth, the major hurdle is the lack of last mile connectivity which forces Delhi residents to ply their private vehicles on road.” The minister said that a proposal of introducing a common mobility card is also being actively considered. “The DTC is in the process of introducing 2,000 buses, including 1,380 low far buses, 500 midi buses and 300 luxury buses which will be dedicated for travel between Delhi and NCR.” He noted that about 10,000 buses would be introduced in the Public Private Partnership mode, which would have all kinds of categories including standard general buses, middle fare and high fare buses. Claiming that the Delhi Transport department has found during a review that the work in public transport sector in the national capital has been in a deadlock post Commonwealth Games in 2010, Mr Rai said that the AAP government is working towards making Delhi “congestion and pollution free.” “E-rickshaws which faced few hurdles initially will be launched on a bigger scale now. We have already announced a subsidy of Rs 15,000 to each e-rickshaw holder,” he said. The minister said that the government will soon be organising a one-day conference where various stakeholders will be invited to discuss best practices adopted across the world and in India to enhance the public transport system. “A task force will be developed after the conference which will work towards improving the public transport system in Delhi,” he said. Source: The Asian Age
