The red and green DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) buses that ply the streets of Delhi are the city's lifeline. You've probably often seen abbreviations like STL, EXT, LTD, or TMS written before or after the route numbers on these buses. Passengers often get confused by these short forms, wondering if the bus will go to their stop.

If you want to make your bus travel in Delhi easier, understanding the meaning of these codes is crucial. Let's find out what these important abbreviations on DTC buses mean.

STL

When you see 'STL' on a bus, it means Short Turn Loop. These buses don't run the entire length of the route but instead operate in specific sections or local colony areas. These buses are deployed to handle heavy passenger traffic in a particular area. This bus turns back from a major stop midway through the route instead of going all the way to its main terminal.

EXT

'EXT' stands for Extension. This means that the bus's service has been extended beyond its regular last stop to serve other areas. If you need to go a little further than the regular route, a bus with the 'EXT' code can be helpful.

LTD

'LTD' means Limited Stop. As the name suggests, these buses do not stop at every small or large bus stop. They only stop at the main and major bus stops in the city. Because of this, they reach their destination much faster than regular buses. If you need to travel a long distance and save time, 'LTD' buses are the best option.

TMS and OMS

For those traveling on Delhi's Ring Road, TMS and OMS are the most important codes. These buses circle the entire city of Delhi.

TMS (-) and TMS (+): This stands for Teevra Mudrika Seva (Rapid Ring Service). This service operates on Delhi's Inner Ring Road.

TMS (+): This bus runs in a clockwise direction. 
TMS (-): This bus runs in a counter-clockwise direction. OMS (-) and OMS (+) - This stands for Outer Mudrika Service. This service operates on the long circular route of Delhi's Outer Ring Road. It also indicates direction through the (-) and (+) signs. It covers one of DTC's longest routes.

Route Number with A, B, or C
Sometimes you might see 'A' or 'B' written next to a bus number, such as 419A or 419B. These are branches of the main bus route. This means that the main route of the bus remains the same, but there is a slight variation in its path or final stop. This is done to cover a specific street or locality that is slightly off the main route.

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