The Delhi government has decided to introduce cluster bus service in more areas to fill the gap created by the proposed phaseout of Blueline buses.
According to a senior official of the transport department, the government would float tender next week for cluster scheme for areas in east and west Delhi.
The government had last year divided 650 bus routes in the city into 17 clusters, each comprising profitable and non-profitable routes, and decided to give each cluster to private operators.
Three corporate entities have been given contract to operate in five clusters and the service is expected to begin in south Delhi soon.
Modelled on the lines of transport service in London and Paris, the buses will have GPS system and electronic display boards. The first cluster was awarded to Star Bus Services Pvt. Ltd. which, transport department officials said is likely to start service with 232 buses later this month along the BRT corridor.
The transport department will finalise the bus fares which will go to the government while the operator will be paid a fixed amount on the basis of every kilometre travelled.
Earlier this week, the city government shunted out 823 Blueline buses and said the entire fleet will be removed by January 31, 2011.
The transport department officials expect a fleet of around 800 buses under first five clusters by the middle of next year.