Delhi Government Launches Lifetime Smart Card for Free Bus Rides for Women
Smart card registration to begin soon
The registration process for the new smart card will begin in the coming weeks. The initiative follows allegations by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta regarding corruption in the existing 'pink ticket' system introduced by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
Government aims to eliminate corruption «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,» Gupta said. She further stated that the card would allow women to travel freely on public buses at any time and that the ticketing system would be fully digitised.
Public transport to be modernised Gupta also highlighted plans to modernise Delhi’s public transport system. «Our goal is to make Delhi's public transport more accessible, reliable and globally recognised,» she said during the Budget Session of the Assembly.
AAP’s pink ticket scheme and BJP’s new approach
The pink ticket scheme, introduced by the AAP government on Bhai Dooj in 2019, allowed women to travel for free on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses. Women received pink tickets for single journeys, with the Delhi government reimbursing bus companies based on the total number of tickets issued.
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The new BJP government, which took power in Delhi after 26 years following its victory in the February 5 Assembly elections, plans to replace the pink ticket system with digital smart cards to improve efficiency and transparency.
Eligibility and implementation of the smart card
The smart card will be issued only to women who reside in Delhi, allowing them to travel without restrictions. Officials
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