Women travelers in Delhi can continue using the pink ticket service, which has been extended until September 17
NEW DELHI: Women travelling on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses will be able to continue using pink tickets for free travel until September 17, with the Delhi government extending the transition period before the Pink Saheli smart card becomes mandatory, transport minister Pankaj Singh said on Monday. “The extension has been given till September 17. After September 17, the Pink Saheli Smart Card arrangement will be implemented,” Singh said. Singh said the response to the Pink Saheli smart card initiative had been encouraging, with nearly 19 lakh women having already applied or registered for the card. The Delhi government has set up 50 authorised centres across the city for issuing Pink Saheli smart cards. Women who have not yet registered will continue to have access to the registration and card issuance process even after September 17 through the designated facilities, Singh said.
Officials said the existing paper-based pink ticket system will be gradually phased out and replaced with a smart card-based mechanism for women to avail themselves of free bus travel. Pink Tickets will continue to be issued till the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ensuring that women continue to receive the facility of free travel in buses without any inconvenience. During the extended period, the government will step up public awareness efforts through depot announcements, in-bus announcements, social media, print media and other communication channels.