Delhi Govt Releases Draft Policy To Start Premium App-Based Bus Aggregator Services

The Delhi government launched a draft policy paper of Delhi Motor Vehicles Licensing of Aggregators Scheme 2022 on Thursday (August 18) to provide premium app-based bus aggregator services for inter-city travel. 

Under the scheme, the state government will introduce premium app and web-based bus aggregator services in the National Capital Region (NCR). It will privatise inter-city bus transportation and permit private players to run air-conditioned electric and CNG buses in the region. 

The objective of the scheme is to encourage a modal shift in public transport by promotion of efficient premium bus services, as per the draft paper. 

The state government also aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve urban transport, enable better utilisation of transportation assets, and improve air quality in the NCR.

“The idea is that if we are able to provide two-wheelers and personal vehicle users some kind of premium service, in which they book like an Uber, which picks them up from where they are and drop at their workplace, people are willing to pay a premium for fixed, comfortable seats rather than trying to drive in the traffic,” Ashish Kundra, principal secretary of the Delhi government told the Economic Times. 

The draft paper states that every aggregator should operate a fleet of at least 50 premium buses within 90 days of getting licence from the competent authority. 

The aggregators will have to create bus routes for itinerary and update those routes on the mobile app. The aggregators will be allowed to decide the fare structure for itineraries.

“Any registered company, partnership firm, LLP registered in India or a consortium comprising these shall be eligible to apply for the license for an aggregator under this scheme,” the draft said.

The draft policy comes almost a month after the Delhi government came out with the final draft of policy for tech companies, like Uber, Ola, Zomato, Flipkart which have vehicle fleets, operating in the NCR region. 

The state government proposed forming sector-specific regulations for aggregators under the policy. It also relaxed EV adoption goals for vehicle aggregators and extended the deadline for aggregators to electrify their fleet by 2030. 

In addition, the state government asked cab aggregators to train its low-performing drivers and to share quarterly reports of drivers, including their ratings and complaints made against them, with the state transport department. 

Besides this, the ride-hailing aggregators were also asked to set up a 24-hour control and command centre in the national capital.