A throwback to what was once a popular mode of transport in Delhi: the double-decker bus (the image above was taken from the internet). While the appearance of these buses is part of a British Empire story (they were first introduced in India in the 1920s), in Delhi, they became a prominent mode of transport during the 1970s and 80s. Although capacious, these buses were ultimately discontinued in 1986, as they were not financially viable.
In recent years, there has been some discussion about reintroducing the double-decker bus service in Delhi. Much of this debate stems from the success of the Delhi Metro and the growing concerns about private hire cabs, which are both expensive for the masses and unsustainable from an environmental perspective.
While, in principle, double-deckers in Delhi could be a welcome development, any 'public' initiative must stay true to its core purpose. It should ensure that all bus users feel safe using the buses—something that is sorely lacking in Delhi’s public transportation system.
A short post today, I'll see you next Friday for more on Delhi's history.
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