Ridership in Delhi Metro falls, up in buses

New Delhi March 21 (IANS) The average daily ridership of Delhi Metro has fallen by 8.2 per cent while that of buses has increased according to a report tabled in the Delhi Assembly on Wednesday.

Metro fares were increased twice in 2017 despite strong opposition from the Delhi government.

Speaking in the House on Wednesday Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia blamed the fall in Metro ridership on the fare hike. "Now Metro (DMRC) and people who want to travel in Metro are suffering " he said.

The average daily ridership of Metro has come down to 25.7 lakh in 2017-18 (till December) compared to 28 lakh in 2016-17 according to Status report of Outcome Budget 2017-18.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corp (DMRC) was formed in 1995 with equal equity participation of the Central and Delhi governments.

The average daily ridership of DTC and cluster buses has increased to 41.9 lakh in 2017-18 (till December) against a target of 40 lakh according to the report.

--IANS
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