Delhi transport minister announces final stages for premium bus and bike taxi schemes
Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot stated that two schemes concerning a premium bus service and bike taxis are in their final stages and will soon be submitted to the competent authority for approval.
The government had previously uploaded the draft of the "Delhi Motor Vehicles Licensing of Aggregator (Premium Buses) Scheme, 2023" on its website earlier this year, seeking public feedback.
Gahlot mentioned in a post on X, "It is to inform that the two aggregator schemes, namely Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme 2023 and Delhi Motor Vehicles Licensing of Aggregator (Premium Buses) Scheme, 2023, which were published in May 2023 for public feedback, are now in their final stages. After incorporating the relevant feedback from stakeholders, the two schemes shall soon be sent for approval by the competent authority."
Earlier in the day, an official had confirmed that the file related to the bus aggregator scheme has been approved by the government.
The city government aims to encourage the middle and upper-middle classes to transition to public transport through the scheme.
According to the scheme, a license holder must ensure that no premium bus shall be engaged or acquired with a registration date beyond three years from the date of the scheme's notification.
The scheme stipulates that any new premium bus introduced must comply with prevailing emission norms, specifically being AC, CNG or electric buses. After January 1, 2025, only electric buses will be allowed, and no CNG-operated bus, even if BS-VI compliant, will be permitted under this scheme.
Under the "Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, 2023," aggregators are required to use electric two-wheelers for transporting passengers within the first six months of the scheme's notification. Aggregators must transition to an all-electric fleet by April 1, 2030, in the case of three-wheelers and four-wheelers, according to sources. The scheme establishes regulatory provisions for bike-taxis and rent-a-bike services, in addition to regulations for delivery and cab services.