Uber, Aaveg receive approval to operate premium buses in Delhi

Ride-hailing platforms Uber and Aaveg have been granted licenses by the Delhi transport department to introduce a "premium bus service" in the city.

The initiative, approved by the Delhi government in October 2023, is designed to provide commuters with a luxurious alternative to the overcrowded public transit options currently available, such as the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses and the Delhi Metro.

The services are aimed at reducing the intracity use of private vehicles and mitigating air pollution.

Uber is expected to start its bus services promptly, while Aaveg plans to launch after the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

What features will these buses have?

The premium buses provided by Uber and Aaveg will offer various high-end amenities to enhance the commuter experience.

Each bus will be air-conditioned and equipped with WiFi, GPS, CCTV, emergency buttons, and reclining seats.

Additionally, these buses will feature phone charging stations and allow passengers to have assigned seating. Passengers can pre-book seats, track the live location and route of the bus, know the expected time of arrival, and have the ability to cancel and reschedule their trips directly through the app.

How will the services operate?

Commuters will be able to book their bus rides through Uber’s app and reserve seats up to a week in advance. The service model includes pre-booked digital ticketing, with fares collected exclusively through electronic or digital modes, ensuring a streamlined and modern commuting experience.

Operators like Uber and Aaveg are required to maintain a fleet of at least 25 premium buses and must make them operational within 90 days of receiving the license.

Uber has also highlighted that the bus will only wait for a maximum of two minutes at the pickup spot to maintain schedule integrity.

Safety and security measures

A critical aspect of the premium bus service scheme is the emphasis on safety and security, especially for women passengers. The scheme mandates that operators integrate panic buttons on both their mobile and web-based applications, which should be functional at all times.

These buttons must be API-based and integrated with law enforcement agencies to ensure prompt redressal of complaints. The buses will also be equipped with SOS buttons to enhance passenger safety.