Blueline menace: Dikshit urges people to be patient

NEW DELHI: Facing public uproar over the rising number of fatal accidents involving privately run Blueline buses, Delhi Chief Minster Sheila Dikshit on Saturday said 8,000 new buses will hit the city roads in three years and urged the people to keep patience till then.

"We are acquiring new buses and before 2010 there will be 8,000 new buses on the city roads. Till then people have to maintain their patience and remain cautious," Dikshit said.

"These buses will be used in public transport as well as during the Commonwealth Games in the capital," she added.

She said people should also adhere to traffic rules and contribute in managing traffic on the city roads.

There have been 96 deaths this year due to the reckless driving by Blueline drivers. Seven people including a child were killed Sunday in south Delhi in one of the latest accidents involving Blueline buses.

After the Sunday's mishap, Dikshit passed the onus of managing the privately owned buses to Delhi Police.
 
"All over the world, the traffic management is the responsibility of the police. Don't blame me for the ongoing crisis. Let them (police) manage the situation."

"We are concerned over the issue. Every one is asking me about the problem, but no one is suggesting a solution. Please don't pressurise me over the Blueline bus problem," she had said.

There are over 4,000 Blueline buses in the capital, forming a crucial part in the capital's transport system.