unshackling the bus transport services sector

letter sent to the press:

Finally, one government, that of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, has realised that as important an infrastructure sector service as 'public bus transport' cannot continue to remain in the hands of the un-organised sector, and has instead to be served by the organised sector. Towards this, the government has now sent out notices inviting EOP (expression of interest) from companies, co-op societies, etc for operating stage-carriage services. And, one of the stipulations is that they should come in with a minimum fleet size of 100 buses.

The NCT transport department needs to be complimented for taking this bold step. But, this is only the first step, and a few more need to be taken if the intended results are to be achieved. They are freedom to choose the routes, and freedom to fix fares. Though, initially, this may lead to a bit of a confusion, within months, things will sort themselves out, and a large part of the traffic problems as well as many of the other problems will also get sorted out. And, very likely you will also have a fare regime lower than that of the DTC, even.

Simultaneously, the government could also think of introducing the congestion tax in the CBDs, maybe in phases.