Delhi, a sprawling metropolis, grapples with significant urban mobility challenges, ranking poorly amongst Indian cities in terms of ease of living and boasting a low bus-to-population ratio according to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. For residents navigating this complex cityscape, public transportation options are crucial, and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) stands as a prominent, yet often underutilized, choice alongside the Delhi Metro and ride-hailing services.
Commuter decisions in Delhi are driven by a delicate balance of factors: perceived safety, convenience, travel time, and cost. These incentives shape transportation choices within the unique socio-economic and behavioral landscape of the city. Despite the Delhi Metro’s commendable reputation for connectivity and efficiency, the Delhi Transport Corporation often lags behind in commuter preference, not solely due to the metro’s success, but also because of systemic challenges within the DTC itself.
The Dichotomy of Choice: DTC’s Position in Delhi’s Transit Ecosystem
While the Delhi Metro offers compelling advantages, it’s crucial to acknowledge the inherent drawbacks within the current operational framework of the Delhi Transport Corporation. However, with the Delhi Metro recognized as the second most expensive metro system globally in terms of affordability (CSE, 2018), the DTC remains a vital, often unavoidable, option for a significant portion of the population, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds (Hemant K. Suman et al 2016).
For commuters with greater financial flexibility, the Delhi Transport Corporation frequently becomes a last resort. Instead of experiencing growth in ridership, DTC is facing a decline (Delhi Economic Survey 2023-24). This trend, coupled with the reliance on subsidized fares as a primary revenue source (Project Jankari, SRCC 2020-21), exacerbates financial losses, already exceeding Rs 3,700 crores (CAG 2022). More critically, this decline pushes passengers towards private vehicles, contributing to an impending environmental crisis. Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to Delhi’s alarming air pollution levels (Anumita Roychowdhury et al, CSE 2024).
Addressing urban traffic congestion and mitigating the associated air pollution, which significantly impacts the health and well-being of Delhi’s inhabitants, necessitates a revitalization of the Delhi Transport Corporation’s contemporary governance and operational modalities.
The Politics of Transit: Why DTC Needs Attention
Investing in the governance of the Delhi Transport Corporation may not be perceived as politically advantageous compared to large-scale infrastructure projects like flyovers, highways, or metro expansions. Visibly grand projects often capture public attention and potentially garner voter support. However, strategically investing in DTC’s governance system offers a cost-effective approach to significantly improve urban mobility and address the transportation crisis.
To attract ridership and encourage a shift from private vehicles to public buses, understanding the commuter experience is paramount. Trip planning is the initial hurdle: commuters seek information on routes, bus numbers, stops, and schedules.
Currently, options like Google Maps and mobile apps such as One Delhi or Chartr are available, but their optimization is limited, often merely pinpointing the ‘nearest stop.’ User experience tends to be confusing and occasionally inaccurate.
Following route navigation, commuters often face pedestrian pathways to bus stops that are far from ideal. Reliance on informal, word-of-mouth information from regular commuters, who possess empirical knowledge of routes, numbers, and estimated wait times (Project Jankari 2020-21), highlights the inadequacy of official information systems.
The absence of reliable real-time bus tracking forces commuters to endure prolonged and unpredictable wait times, with average wait times at bus stops exceeding 10 minutes (Annual State of India’s Environment, CSE 2024). Adding to the frustration, non-compliant bus drivers sometimes fail to stop at designated stops, further inconveniencing passengers.
A significant portion of DTC staff are contractual employees, and the lack of a robust feedback or accountability framework results in minimal consequences for non-compliance. During commutes, overcrowding is common, compromising safety and security, particularly for women (Shreya Ganguly, ORF 2024). Furthermore, the lack of prioritized bus lanes means DTC buses are often caught in heavy traffic, increasing travel times. Compounding these issues, RTI reports indicate a concerning 166% surge in DTC bus breakdowns over the past year.
Conclusion: Reimagining DTC for a Sustainable Future
Currently, the subsidized cost of DTC travel is the primary incentive for commuters. However, when factoring in wait times, transfers, and time lost in traffic congestion, the overall journey cost for public transport users significantly increases compared to private vehicle users (CSE, 2024).
Policy interventions such as free rides for women, deploying bus marshals, online ticketing, bus fleet electrification, odd-even traffic rules, or dedicated bus lanes will fall short of their intended impact without addressing the fundamental governance structure of the Delhi Transport Corporation.
Initiatives focusing on improving the digital infrastructure for route planning, bus stop information, accessibility, boarding processes, and ticketing systems are crucial first steps. Neglecting the deteriorating condition of DTC buses will discourage commuters, and future generations, with increasing economic means, may permanently abandon public buses. Revitalizing the Delhi Transport Corporation is not just a matter of transportation; it’s about building a sustainable, equitable, and efficient urban future for Delhi.
Views expressed are author’s own and do not necessarily reflect that of Down To Earth
