New Delhi: The first batch of DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) low buses which hit the city roads on Tuesday is proving out to be a hit with daily commuters.

The denizens of Delhi for quite some time were hard pressed as far as commuting with buses are concerned one the hand was the killer blueline buses and on the other hand DTC’s old rickety inefficient bus service but if every thing goes as planned all this could change for better with the introduction of low-rise buses by DTC.

The new buses have come as welcome change and as the best Diwali gift to the commuters as these buses have large sliding windows, handle bars, cushioned seats, pneumatic doors and more space for standing passengers and all this at fares starting from Rs. 3 and going upto Rs. 10. This time around the commuters aren’t complaining about the service or buses their only complaint why so fewer buses?

Even the drivers of these low-rise buses aren’t complaining as these buses with their automatic features and designs are much easier to drive thus reducing their fatigue levels. These new buses have automatic gears, rear fitted engine and automatic doors for boarding and getting out. According to one of the drivers, driving these buses is akin to driving in a foreign country.

For the commuters, the buses are fitted with various emergency switches, first aid kit and instructions which are normally not found on the blueline or old DTC buses.

Going by the initial response to this service these buses earned revenue of Rs. 19 per km on Tuesday and Rs. 18 on Wednesday above the average revenue of Rs. 17 per km by other buses.

But its too early too say how these buses will fare on Delhi notorious roads which are famous for their potholes and murderous speed breakers – a fact which can’t be looked over.

Right now the commuters are cautious, because over the years Delhi’s bus transport system have acquired dubious distinction – blueline as well as DTC.

The first lots of 12 new buses are being plied on route no. 500 between Shivaji Stadium and Saket; the next buses will be deployed on route no. 47 Lajpat Nagar- Inderpuri and Mudrika (ring road service) as well.

Well, I am keeping my fingers crossed that this is here to stay.