The old DTC bus was more than just a means of transport; it was a journey of emotions, often marked by submission to the whims of fate and the crowded city life. On scorching afternoons, I would wait anxiously, spotting the bus from afar like a long-awaited girlfriend, its harsh engine hum transforming into a sweet melody in my ears. Yet, as the bus arrived, burdened with passengers, it would tilt to one side, packed with people clinging on for dear life.
Navigating through the sea of bodies was an art—trying to protect myself as I maneuvered from the back door to the front, all while women rightfully claimed half the seats, leaving little room for others. There was an unspoken hierarchy, and with submissive eyes, I would plead with the driver sahib, hoping for a stop where I could disembark. But his curt reply, delivered in a voice as harsh as the ride itself, always reminded me that the bus would halt only at the designated stand, no exceptions.
The Old DTC bus was a miniature version of Delhi itself, echoing with the blaring tunes of old songs, the fleeting joy of grabbing a window seat, or simply finding a spot to stand near the door. These small triumphs were gems that today’s generation, with all their modern comforts, might never fully appreciate. The colors of the old DTC buses—blue, white, red, green—each told a different story in the tapestry of this ever-evolving city, with each journey as unique as a Tour of Delhi’s Rich History, capturing moments that are forever etched in memory. Even now, those memories of the old DTC bus bring a smile to my face, a nostalgic reminder of when life moved at the pace of those rattling rides.
Old DTC Bus: From DTU to DTC in Delhi’s Transport History
The Delhi Transport Undertaking (DTU) was operated by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi until 2nd November 1971. It was then that the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) was established. The Ministry of Transport, Government of India, had initially taken over local bus services in Delhi in May 1948 due to the inadequate services provided by the Gwalior and Northern India Transport Company Ltd. Wikipedia DTC
Old DTC Bus Memories : A One-Legged Balancing and Unwanted Uncle Hugs
The atmosphere inside DTC buses was a chaotic dance of resilience and discomfort, where every inch of space was fiercely contested. I vividly remember the struggle of boarding, the relentless push to squeeze into the crowded bus. Often, I found myself precariously balanced on one leg, my body pressed against the window, with no room to place the other foot. The discomfort was amplified by the constant jostling, especially from the uncle standing behind me, whose intrusive presence I was forced to endure in silence. His body movements, close and persistent, added to the unease, but I felt powerless to voice my discomfort in the suffocating crowd.
Old DTC Bus Memories: Encounters with Fate and a Curious Smile
Riding the old DTC bus was an experience filled with unexpected moments and close encounters, both literal and figurative. Once, I found myself hanging on the door of a DTC bus that was already packed to the brim, likely because the previous bus had been missed. With great effort, I managed to sit on the stairs, barely holding onto my spot. A girl standing nearby noticed my struggle and kindly made some space for me to breathe.
At the next stop, as more passengers squeezed in, the crowd surged, and suddenly, my entire weight was pressed against the girl who had just helped me. It was a mix of emotions—I felt both grateful and awkward. Then, she turned to me, her face close to mine, and softly asked, “Please stand properly.” As the bus jolted forward, our bodies were almost entwined by the force of the crowd. She looked into my eyes and, with a curious smile, asked, “Do you travel by this bus daily?” That moment, her gaze, and the serendipity of the situation have stayed with me ever since. It’s a memory from those old DTC bus rides.
Old DTC Bus Memories: The Front-Boarding was a Lottery
It used to be a regular ritual to approach the driver sahab, pleading with our eyes for permission to board the old DTC bus from the front. More often than not, we’d be met with a stern glare and a firm refusal, as if we were asking for the moon. But on those rare occasions when the driver sahab, in a moment of unexpected kindness, nodded and let us on, it felt like we had won the lottery! Boarding from the front of the old DTC bus wasn’t just a small victory—it was a golden ticket to avoiding the chaotic crush at the back.
Old DTC Bus Thrills: Dodging the TT an Adventure Sport
The ticket checker, or TT, was a big fear among the public, but traveling without a ticket was no less than an adventure sport. The thrill of dodging the TT, the rush of adrenaline, and the whispered warnings from fellow passengers made it an experience like no other. Today’s people are deprived of this kind of fun, missing out on the excitement that came with every old DTC bus ride. If you’re looking to explore the hidden gems of the city and relive some of these nostalgic moments, a Delhi tour guide can offer you a unique and insightful journey through the city’s rich history and culture.
Old DTC Bus Memories: A ₹12.50 Pink Pass Made You the King
Back in the day, ₹12 got you a pink student pass that turned you into royalty. First, you’d chase down your class teacher and principal for their signatures like you were collecting autographs. But once that pass was in your pocket, you were untouchable! Hop on any old DTC bus, flash that pink card, and when the conductor asked, just say “12.30” with a smug grin—that was your golden ticket. Today’s kids have no idea that this little pink pass was the ultimate VIP pass, with a side of flirtation perks!
Old DTC Bus Memories: Pickpocketing Adventures
Getting pickpocketed was almost a rite of passage in the old DTC buses. I vividly remember the time a group of boys and girls skillfully relieved me of my wallet. Left empty-handed, I had no choice but to walk all the way from Moti Bagh stand to Hauz Khas. It was a long, frustrating journey, but just another chapter in the unpredictable adventures of traveling by the old DTC buses.
Old DTC Bus Nostalgia: Signs and Common Warnings
In old DTC buses, certain things were a regular part of the experience. Like making a woman’s letter ‘M’ by scratching it which means shake it were oddly common. Posters with slogans like “Hum Do Hamare Do” promoted family planning. Safety reminders such as “Check under your seat, any unclaimed object can be a bomb, make noise immediately,” were frequent. Passengers were always told to “Inform the driver before getting down at the stop.” Advertisements like “A sure cure for a secret disease” and “Wear a Rupa bra” were scattered around. Warnings not to “put your hand out of the window” were paired with reminders that “Traveling without a ticket is a crime, you can be punished and fined,” and “It is necessary to show the ticket if the co-passenger asks for it”. “Beware of pickpockets”.
Old DTC Bus Romance: Nostalgic Memories in a Delhi
The old DTC buses may have transformed into a new form, with modern designs and updated features, but the love story with those rickety rides lives on. Even today, the time spent aboard those old DTC buses is a cherished memory, woven with a sweet nostalgia that tugs at the hearts of Delhiites. The amount of energy that people today spend running around all day, we used to pour into just one-way bus journeys back then. The creaky seats, the jostling crowds, and the gentle sway of the bus—all are forever etched in the romance of the city’s past, reminding us of simpler, sweeter times.
