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The vibrant red and green buses of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) are essential for daily commuters in the city. You may have noticed abbreviations like STL, EXT, LTD, or TMS accompanying the route numbers on these buses. Many passengers find these acronyms puzzling, often questioning whether the bus will stop at their desired location.

To simplify your bus travel experience in Delhi, it's important to decode these abbreviations. Let’s explore what these significant codes on DTC buses signify.

STL

When you spot 'STL' on a bus, it indicates a Short Turn Loop. These buses do not traverse the entire route but instead operate within specific sections or local neighborhoods. They are utilized to manage high passenger volumes in certain areas, turning back from a major stop before reaching the main terminal.

EXT

The abbreviation 'EXT' stands for Extension. This signifies that the bus service has been expanded beyond its usual last stop to accommodate additional areas. If your destination lies beyond the standard route, look for a bus marked with 'EXT' for assistance.

LTD

'LTD' refers to Limited Stop services. As the name implies, these buses do not halt at every bus stop. Instead, they only stop at key and major bus stations throughout the city, allowing them to reach their destinations more quickly than regular buses. If you need to cover a long distance efficiently, 'LTD' buses are your best bet.

TMS and OMS

For those traveling along Delhi's Ring Road, the codes TMS and OMS are particularly significant. These buses provide a circular route around the city.

TMS (-) and TMS (+) denote Teevra Mudrika Seva (Rapid Ring Service), which operates on the Inner Ring Road of Delhi.

TMS (+): This bus travels in a clockwise direction. 
TMS (-): This bus moves counter-clockwise. OMS (-) and OMS (+) refer to Outer Mudrika Service, which operates on the longer circular route of Delhi's Outer Ring Road, also indicating direction with the (-) and (+) signs. This service covers one of the longest routes in the DTC network.

Route Number with A, B, or C
Occasionally, you may notice an 'A' or 'B' next to a bus number, such as 419A or 419B. These letters represent branches of the main bus route. While the primary route remains unchanged, there may be slight deviations in its path or final stop to serve specific streets or localities that are slightly off the main route.

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