India Today ·
Delhi extends pink paper bus tickets for women till September 30
Delhi has extended paper-based pink tickets for women on DTC and cluster buses till September 30. The extra time will help awareness and registration before the Pink Saheli card becomes mandatory on October 1.
The Delhi government has extended the paper-based pink ticket facility for women travelling on Delhi Transport Corporation and cluster buses till September 30. The move gives women passengers more time before the Pink Saheli smart card becomes the only way to avail free bus travel.
The transport department had earlier said the smart card would become mandatory from September 18. The government has now said it will use the extended period to spread awareness about the card, and from October 1, women without a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card will have to buy regular tickets and pay the applicable fare.
In an official order issued on Thursday, the government said, "The competent authority has now been pleased to accord approval for further extension of the existing arrangement for issuance of paper-based pink tickets up to September 30. Accordingly, during this extended period, eligible women passengers may continue to be issued paper-based pink tickets for availing the free bus travel facility in DTC and cluster buses."
The order said the government will focus on creating awareness about the smart card through depot and in-bus announcements, social media, print media and other channels. It added, "From October 1 onwards, free travel shall be permissible only upon tapping a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card," and said women without the smart card would have to purchase regular tickets and pay the applicable fare.
Around 19 lakh women have availed the smart-card facility launched earlier this year. Officials said the paper-based pink ticket system is being gradually phased out as the government shifts to a smart card-based system for free bus travel. The Delhi government has set up 50 authorised centres across the city to issue Pink Saheli smart cards. Officials also said women who have not yet registered will continue to have access to the registration and card issuance process after September 30 through designated facilities.
In summary, the Delhi government has continued the paper-based pink ticket system for women passengers till September 30, while pushing ahead with awareness and registration for the Pink Saheli smart card ahead of its mandatory use from October 1.