If
one is planning to come to Delhi then it is important to know the public
transport system so that one finds it easy to travel around the
different parts of the city. Local transport in Delhi is divided into
five basic categories, and the price ranges from a measly Rs 3 to the
cost of hiring a Mercedes!Bus
The network covered by buses in Delhi is supposedly the largest one and the cheapest means to travel in Delhi. Both government and private buses are available. The buses run on CNG and the fare ranges from Rs 3 to Rs 10 in ordinary DTC, green colored DTC, and Blueline buses.
Red DTC bus charges a little extra for the luxury of air-conditionings and a plush seat. The buses can be bit crowded at times and women have to take special care against eve-teasing. Special buses like RTVs (Rural Transport Vehicle) are mini buses plying on few but fixed routes, especially in interiors of the city.
Auto-Rickshaw
The autos are a little expensive than the buses but give relaxed feeling. They drop you right at your destination. They can either be flagged down on the road or can be taken from a pre-paid stand. When flagging down one, you should negotiate the price before taking it. One should bargain the price if it seems too much and then settle in, for this will save from the harassment of arguing with him for money once you reach your destination. It would be better if you hire an auto from a pre-paid stand or ask them to ply by meter.
Delhi Metro
The local transportation system of Delhi has been given a boost by the introduction of the Delhi Metro System. Traveling through it is quite cheap and comfortable. One can get a special tourist card for Rs 200 for duration of three days. The fare varies in accordance with the destination.
Taxis
Easily accessible for hiring, these are very costly when traveling alone. These taxis are plied by DTC (Delhi Transport Co-Operation), the Indian Tourism Ministry and other many private operators.
Local Trains
Local trains are one of the cheapest means of transport in Delhi. Both inter-state as well as intra-state trains ply from various railway stations in Delhi. Commuting by trains is quite time saving. The major railway stations in the capital city are Old Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, New Delhi, Okhla, Pragati Maidan, Shahdara, Shakur Basti and Tilak Bridge. There are special Ladies compartment for the comfort of female passengers and to save them from eve-teasing and molestation. One has to be careful for pick-pockets in local trains though.