If you are a regular Delhi DTC bus traveller, this news is for you, as the Delhi Government has announced some changes. Delhi government on Thursday said that the free bus travel service launched for women during AAP’s tenure will now be limited. The free bus travel scheme will now be applicable only to Delhi residents. With this, the transport department has begun working on the introduction of ‘lifetime’ smart card to access the benefits. This means the service will be now applicable for women residing in Delhi.
Smart Cards To Replace Pink Tickets
The government is planning to start a registration process for women who wish to apply for the lifetime smart cards. Notably, this decision by the Chief Minister Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government follows her recent remark in the Delhi Assembly. CM Gupta had alleged corruption in the pink-ticket system in DTC buses under AAP government. She pledged to launch digital travel cards for women and put end to the ‘pink corruption.’
Gupta said, “We are committed to providing this service to women. Corruption will not be tolerated. We will introduce digital travel cards for women, putting an end to the ‘pink corruption’ tied to physical tickets.” She added that it is their goal to make Delhi’s public transport more accessible, reliable and globally recognised.
What’s Changing?
The new digital card would allow women to travel on public buses at any time. It will further eliminate irregularities in the ticketing process. CM Gupta reiterated that entire system would be transformed to improve efficiency and reliability. The card will allow women to travel within the city free of cost. But, it will be available only to women residing in Delhi. The beneficiaries of this scheme would be asked to produce proof of residence to ensure they are residents of Delhi.
The New Indian Express quoted an official who said, “As per the eligibility criteria, the lifetime smart card will be issued only to women residing in Delhi, allowing them to travel anywhere, any time without any limitations.”
The pink ticket system or free bus ride service for women was announce by AAP in 2019 on occasion of Bhai Dooj. This service allowed women of all age to avail the free ride in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses. Ladies were given pink-coloured single-journey passes (tickets) when they boarded the bus. The government, in turn reimbursed bus operators at Rs 10 per ticket. This move by the AAP was appreciated and led to significant increase in the number of women passengers in public transport, such as DTC buses.
