Ride-hailing platforms Uber and Aaveg have reportedly secured licenses from the Delhi Transport Department to introduce a “premium bus service” in the national capital. This move aims to alleviate the strain on existing transit systems and provide commuters with a comfortable and efficient mode of travel.
According to a report by The Times of India, Uber is poised to kickstart its services imminently, while Aaveg, app-based shuttle service in Delhi-NCR, plans to commence operations post the Lok Sabha elections.
Sustainable travel option
The initiative comes at a crucial juncture as Delhi grapples with escalating congestion and air pollution concerns exacerbated by overcrowded public transit options like the DTC buses and Delhi Metro. In order to find a sustainable solution, the scheme allows private operators to run air-conditioned luxury buses equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi, GPS, CCTV, panic buttons and 2X2 reclining seats.
Passengers will have assigned seats and can manage trips through the app, with options to cancel or reschedule. Uber’s website states users can book seats seven days ahead, with drivers waiting for up to two minutes at pickup.
Under the guidelines of the scheme, operators must maintain a fleet of at least 25 premium buses, ensuring their deployment within 90 days of license issuance. Safety remains paramount, with stringent measures in place to safeguard passengers, especially women, including a rapid response mechanism and API-based integration with law enforcement agencies.
The buses, operated by local fleet partners, boast seating capacities ranging from 19 to 50 people, aiming to bridge residential areas with bustling business districts across Delhi. Uber under an MoU with the West Bengal government has been operating the shuttle service since 2023 in Kolkata. A pilot program for Uber Shuttle is also being run in the national capital.