Decision on odd-even scheme's third phase after study: Gopal Rai

New Delhi: Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on Saturday said the second phase of the odd-even scheme was a success and a decision on the third phase will be taken after a study of both the phases by an expert committee. "Now, we have the experience of conducting odd-even traffic scheme during two seasons, winter and summer, with schools and colleges open during one phase. So the government will study both the models and only then a decision would be taken for the third phase of the odd-even scheme," Rai told reporters, claiming the Delhi government's second phase of odd-even was a success. "A six-member committee has been formed by the government to study the report of both the phases of the car rationing scheme," Rai said, adding, "Committee will be headed by special commissioner of transport K.K. Dahiya and it will submit its report on May 9." He also said after May 9 his government would again seek public opinion for the third phase of the car rationing scheme. The minister thanked all members of parliament for supporting Delhi government's scheme of car rationing. The second phase of the odd-even scheme was implemented in the national capital on April 15 to April 30. While the first phase of the traffic scheme was implemented from January 1 to January 15. Earlier in the day, Rai while speaking during an event showed his concern over people not using the public bus transport. "Even though there has been high usage of the metro in the second phase of the odd-even, yet the public bus transport has not been used to its full potential." He also said of the 25 lakh cars in Delhi, only 8,000 cars were fined as it was followed by 99.9 percent people of the city during the second phase of car rationing scheme. Highlighting the reason for the success of the scheme, Rai said: "A common effort through public and government cooperation always promotes the successful implementation of any scheme." The minister asserted positive energy is limited for some time and for sustaining it, an efficient system is required. And, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is consciously working to sustain this positive energy through its efforts to create better public transport. Rai also appreciated Delhis' youth, saying: "There is a change in the mindset of youth whose love for cars and bikes is now being replaced by the consciousness to follow the odd-even programme for a better quality of life." Expressing his concern over the app based taxi aggregators, Rai said, "Our government is working on a policy for the taxi-aggregators, which we will announce soon." Emphasizing on the need for premium bus service, Rai said: "During the second phase of the odd-even scheme, we noticed many of the car users didn't use public transport system more. So, for them, a premium bus service would be started from June 1 as a pilot project." He also requested the manufacturers and businesses to join the government's initiative to implement this project.