Government extends paper-based pink ticket facility for women in buses till September 30

The Delhi Government has extended the pink ticket facility for women passengers in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses till September 30. The transport department had earlier directed that the ‘Pink Saheli’ smart card would be mandatory from September 18.

“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,” an official order issued on Thursday said.

During the extended period, eligible women passengers can continue to obtain paper-based pink tickets to avail the free travel facility in DTC and cluster buses. The Government will focus on creating awareness about the smart card through depot and in-bus announcements, social media, print media and other channels, the order said.

“From October 1 onwards, free travel shall be permissible only upon tapping a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card,” it said, adding that 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 availing free bus travel.

The Delhi Government has set up 50 authorised centres across the city for issuance of Pink Saheli Smart cards.

Women who have not yet registered will continue to have access to the registration and card issuance process after September 30 through designated facilities, officials said.