In a significant move, the Delhi Transport Department has granted licenses to Uber and Aaveg, two prominent ride-hailing companies, to operate premium bus services in the national capital. While Uber is ready to start operations imminently, Aaveg plans to launch its services after the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This development marks a major shift in Delhi’s public transportation landscape, offering commuters a more comfortable and convenient travel option.
Why They Were Offered Licenses
The Delhi Transport Department has offered these licenses as part of its efforts to improve public transportation in the city. The premium bus services from Uber and Aaveg will offer a range of facilities, including air-conditioned buses, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS tracking, CCTV cameras, and panic buttons for passenger safety and convenience.
According to Amit Deshpande, Head of Uber Shuttle in India, “We are committed to building a business which serves the mobility needs of every Indian. Buses are an important addition to our available products. After a successful pilot where we’ve seen a strong demand for buses, we are excited to formally bring the magic of Uber rides to buses in Delhi.”
Similar Services in Other Cities
Uber has already been operating a successful premium bus service, called Uber Shuttle, in Kolkata since 2023 as per a memorandum of understanding signed with the West Bengal government. Aaveg, on the other hand, has gained popularity in other cities for its reliable and efficient app-based shuttle services.
Aaveg currently operates in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, providing premium shuttle services to corporate employees and commuters. The company has a fleet of over 1,000 buses and has served more than 1 million passengers to date.
How to Book Seats
Passengers will be able to book their seats on these premium bus services through the Uber and Aaveg apps. According to Uber, commuters can pre-book their seats up to a week in advance, track the live location and route of the bus, and know the expected time of arrival. Aaveg has also announced that it will offer similar booking facilities through its app, allowing passengers to choose their preferred seat and pay digitally.
The Delhi government’s app-based premium bus aggregator scheme, notified in November 2023, mandates that operators maintain a fleet of at least 25 premium buses, which must be deployed within 90 days of license issuance. The scheme also allows for dynamic pricing, which must not be lower than the peak fare of DTC air-conditioned buses, to encourage the use of these premium services over personal vehicles.
This new initiative by the Delhi government, in collaboration with Uber and Aaveg, aims to provide a more comfortable and reliable public transportation option for the city’s residents, ultimately reducing the reliance on private vehicles and contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly commuting ecosystem.
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