Odd-even plan likely in May-June: Women to follow rule, bikes exempt

In the second phase, which is likely to start in May-June, the government may make it mandatory for women to follow the formula but bikers will continue to be exempted.

The Delhi government on Monday said it wanted to strengthen the public transport system before pruning the list of those exempted from the odd-even formula.

Civil defence personnel hold placards during the odd-even vehicular plan in front of the Parliament House, in New Delhi. (Arvind Yadav/ Hindustan Times)

In the second phase, which is likely to start in May-June, the government may make it mandatory for women to follow the formula but bikers will continue to be exempted.

Transport minister Gopal Rai said the government would procure adequate number of buses before including bikers in the plan. “We have enough resources to tackle the rush that comes from cars but we need at least 1,000 more buses before we can include bikes,” said Rai.

Delhi civil defence personnel and volunteers request a commmuter to follow the odd - even vehicular restriction trial. (Mohd Zakir/ Hindustan Times)

The government hopes the lot of 1,000 buses will come by May and then another 1,000 will follow. “Bikers may be included in the third phase but in the second phase bikers will continue to get the exemption. People argue that number of bikes is more than the number of cars but cars cause congestion,” he added.

Read| ‘Positive feedback’ to odd-even, 2nd phase set for May-June: AAP govt

The government plans to roll out premium buses for those who feel ‘crowded’ in the existing public transport system. Rai said that to ensure people used public transport, the government was working on providing facilities such as premium buses, a common mobility card and passenger information seats.

“The fare of premium buses will be on the higher side but if people leave their cars, the bus ride would cost them less. People can book their seats on the app and know the timing. Our study shows that a premium bus can accommodate 40 cars, which means 40 cars will be off road if they use bus,” Rai added.

The Delhi government has decided to run 1,000 new air-conditioned low-floor buses on public-private partnership model. It will opt for the PPP model as DTC could not buy buses despite floating tenders two-three times.

Read: Five reasons why Delhi choked on Monday after odd-even fortnight