How to File RTI with Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) — Bus Pass, Service Complaints

The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is a statutory body of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, operating one of the largest city bus services in India. DTC is a public authority under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, 2005, and is subject to RTI requests from citizens.

Citizens use RTI against DTC to track bus pass applications, understand reasons for pass rejection or delay, follow up on service complaints, and obtain information about route schedules and frequency changes.

What Can You Achieve with an RTI to DTC?

• Know the status and reason for delay in a bus pass application
• Understand the specific reason for rejection of a concessional bus pass with reference to the applicable DTC rule
• Get the action taken on a complaint about bus service, conductor misconduct, or overcrowding
• Obtain the scheduled frequency and timetable for a specific bus route
• Know whether a route has been reduced or discontinued and the basis for that decision
• Get information about DTC's concessional pass categories and eligibility criteria

Where to File: The Right Authority

DTC operates from its headquarters at IP Estate and through regional offices and depots across Delhi. For bus pass matters, file with the relevant DTC regional or depot office. For service complaints and route information, file with DTC headquarters.

On the Delhi RTI portal at rti.delhi.gov.in, select: Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).

Note on Cluster Buses: Cluster scheme buses (operated under PPP) fall under DIMTS (Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System) Limited, not DTC. For complaints about cluster buses, file with DIMTS, which is also a public authority under the RTI Act.

How to File: Step by Step

Step 1: Gather Your Details

• Your bus pass application reference number (if applicable)
• The bus route number and specific depot (for service complaints)
• Your complaint reference number if already lodged with DTC's helpline
• The date of application or complaint for reference

Step 2: Draft Your Application

Focus on one issue per application where possible. For pass applications, ask about the specific stage and reason for delay. For complaints, always cite your complaint reference number if you have one. The sample draft above covers the main scenarios.

Step 3: File Online

File at rti.delhi.gov.in and pay ₹10 online, or submit in person at the DTC regional office or head office.

Step 4: Appeals

If there is no response within 30 days, file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act with the First Appellate Authority at DTC within 30 days of the date of decision or expiry of the 30-day period, whichever is applicable. For a Second Appeal, approach the Delhi Information Commission (DIC) under Section 19(3) within 90 days.

What Specific Information Can You Ask For?

Bus pass application:

1. Current status of bus pass application Ref. No. — stage, pending documents, and standard processing timeline
2. Reason for rejection with reference to the applicable DTC rule or government order, if rejected

Concessional pass eligibility:

1. Eligibility criteria for Student / Senior Citizen / Differently Abled / BPL category bus passes as per DTC policy
2. Basis for ineligibility determination, if application was rejected

Service complaint:

1. Action taken on complaint Ref. No. — steps taken, officer assigned, and current status
2. Whether the complaint has been resolved — if yes, the date and basis; if no, the reason for delay

Route and frequency:

1. Scheduled frequency of Route No. XXX on the origin–destination corridor as per current DTC timetable
2. Whether any change in frequency has been approved in the last N months — if yes, the basis and date of the decision