In order to boost the city's public transport system, the Delhi government has decided to run 1,000 new air-conditioned low-foor buses on public-private partnership (PPP) model in the national capital.
A proposal has been prepared by the transport department in this regard and it will be tabled in the Cabinet meeting later this month.
"Government has decided to run 1,000 AC low-floor buses on PPP model. DTC will operate these buses. 1,000 AC buses will start coming on roads from July this year," Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai told PTI.
The AAP government is aiming to augment public transport facilities before introducing the second phase of odd-even scheme which Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said will be back in an "improved form".
The government decided to opt for the PPP model as DTC could not buy buses despite floating tenders two-three times as bus manufacturers did not show interest due to some conditions in the tenders.
"Corporate entities will give buses to DTC. Government will allow these buses to park in DTC's bus depots. DTC's conductors will be deployed in these buses," Rai said.
As per the plan, earning-sharing with private concessionaires will be done on kilometer basis.
The Arvind Kejriwal government has also already proposed to start air-conditioned 'Premium Bus Service' with higher fares, a step aimed at encouraging higher-income groups to use public transport.
