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                  GET AROUND DELHI

Getting around Delhi is always an adventure. Traffic is, by and large, horribly
congested and many drivers will think nothing of quoting ten times the going price to
a tourist. Use the prices below as broad guidelines, agree on prices before setting
off, and don't get too hot under the collar over a rupee or two — they mean a lot more
to the cycle rickshaw-wallah earning Rs. 50 on a good day than they do to you.
Public transport in Delhi is provided by auto rickshaws, buses, rapid transit system,
taxis and suburban railways. Buses are the most popular means of transportation
catering to about 60% of the total demand. Major bus service providers include state-
owned Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), BlueLine Transport Corporation and
several other private concerns. Private vehicles account for 30% of the total demand
for transportation while the rest of the demand is met largely by auto-rickshaws,
taxis, rapid transit system and railways.

AUTO - RICKSHAWS - are good for shorter trips. Always in a distinctive
yellow-and-green livery, auto rickshaws are three-wheeled partially enclosed
contraptions (no doors!) that run on CNG and can seat three people in the back. In
general, they are much cheaper than taxis and can be hailed from the street.
Hiring an Auto in Delhi is very tricky, as few auto-drivers accept standard meter
charges. (Rs. 8 for the first km, Rs. 3.50/km after), they will almost always try to
haggle for price. (If they don't, the meter is probably rigged!) Even the shortest
journey will cost around Rs. 20, and a trip across town would be around Rs. 50.
The typical method is to haggle for an agreeable rate. It is typical for the rate to be
almost doubled after 11 p.m. With the introduction of electronic meters, the
tamperability of meters has reduced, and a stronger jurisdiction for a sanctioning
body has forced more auto-rickshaws to comply with the meter-based charging
scheme. However, it is common for the meters of auto-rickshaws to be "broken" or
disregarded by their drivers. This rarely is a source of conflict because the fares
charged are modest, particularly by western standards.
If you have any trouble with them, go to any of the numerous tourist police stations in
the city center and they will give you a complaint slip which will result in a 500 rupee
fine for the auto driver. There should also be a telephone number written on the
vehicle to call in case of any complaint.

There are a number of "PRE PAID" Auto stands run by the Police. Tell them where
you want to go and pay them upfront. The charge will include 5 Rs for the service.
You then take the coupon and stand outside where a policeman will direct you to the
next available Auto. When your journey is completed you hand the coupon to the
wallah and that's it. Nothing more to pay (despite what they may say).

Cycle Rickshaws - Cycle rickshaws are three-wheeled pedal powered
rickshaws with seats in the back to seat passengers and a driver in the front. They
are good for short distances, or places which are too far to walk but too short for
taking a bus/taxi/auto rickshaw. Cycle rickshaws don't use meters, so establish a
price before getting on. Rs. 20 is reasonable for most journeys of a kilometer or two,
although many Delhiites will haggle if the driver dares to suggest Rs. 10.

Taxis - Though easily available, taxis are not an integral part of Delhi public
transport. The DTC, the Indian Tourism Ministry and various private operators
operate most taxis. The Tourism Ministry grants private companies permits to
operate taxis.
To get a taxi or a hired car, you have to go to a taxi stand; they are not usually flagged
from the street. Alternatively, you can call for a cab at 1090.

Most Delhi taxis are old but reliable Ambassadors in distinctive black-and-yellow
livery. While all are equipped with meters and should cost Rs. 6 to start plus Rs.
7/km, they are often rigged and it's better to agree on the price in advance. Most trips
around the city should be Rs. 50-100, while a trip to the airport would be around Rs.
200. An eight-hour charter should cost around Rs. 500, and a tip is expected if the
driver is helpful. Note that most Ambassadors are not air-conditioned.
You shouldn't take non-official taxis, sometimes they take you to a wrong hotel, or to
a "tourist information center", and try to sell you overpriced things.

Bus - All parts of Delhi are well connected by buses and with tickets ranging from
Rs.3 to 10 they're very cheap, but they're also the least comfortable means of
transport and the hardest to use. Delhi's buses are quite crowded, rarely air-
conditioned and drivers often drive rashly.

Metro - Three lines of the new Delhi Metro  are now open and provide a cheap,
quick, hassle-free and air-conditioned way of zipping around the city.  As of 2006, the
following lines are open:
Line 1 (Red Line): Shahdara-ISBT-Rithala
Line 2 (Yellow Line): Vishwa Vidyalya (Delhi University)-ISBT-Connaught Place-
Central Secretariat
Line 3 (Blue Line): Indraprastha-Connaught Place-Dwarka City .

Fares range from Rs. 6 to 22. Take the token till the final destination and change
lines if required. If you're planning on sticking around for a while, you can buy a
"Smart Card" for Rs. 200, which is worth Rs. 110 and includes a Rs. 100 deposit.
There is also a "Tourist Card" allowing unlimited use for Rs. 70/day, but it's highly
unlikely that you'll travel enough to make this pay off.