New Delhi: Delhi's electric double-decker tourist bus has carried over 1,500 passengers since its launch, with the tourism department reducing ticket prices for the summer season to attract more visitors.
Within the first month of operations, the service had drawn around 800 passengers, crossing the mark of 1,200 passengers within three months of its launch.
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According to the latest data, a total of 1,540 passengers had travelled on the bus till June 12, indicating growing interest among tourists, an official said.
Encouraging more visitors during the summer season, the tourism department has reduced ticket prices from Rs 500 to Rs 300 for adults and from Rs 300 to Rs 200 for children. Officials said the response to the offer has been encouraging, particularly on weekends, which continue to account for a significant share of the ridership, he told PTI.
According to official data, passenger numbers have increased steadily since the launch. The service recorded 12 passengers in February after commencing operations on February 28, followed by 432 in March, 372 in April, 424 in May and 300 till June 12.
Officials said the initiative is currently being run as a pilot project and additional routes may be explored in the future based on public response.
The official said that the department currently operates the service on two routes. Weekday tours begin from Vijay Chowk, covering key landmarks in the Central Vista area before proceeding to museums and the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya.
Weekend tours start from Dilli Haat, INA, and include the Change of Guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, which officials said remains one of the most popular attractions among visitors.
Launched by the Delhi government in February to promote tourism in the national capital, the service offers curated tours covering several iconic locations, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, Bharat Mandapam, the National War Memorial, the new Parliament complex, Dilli Haat and the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya.
The air-conditioned electric bus, which has a seating capacity of 63 passengers, is accompanied by a trained tour escort who provides information on the historical and cultural significance of the sites covered.
The service also marks the return of double-decker buses to Delhi's roads after nearly four decades. Such buses were earlier operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation before being phased out in 1989 due to an ageing fleet.
