Delhi's Pink Ticket: Economic Empowerment Amid Safety Concerns

Despite Delhi's fare-free 'Pink Ticket' scheme reaching 100 crore issues, 75% of women feel unsafe commuting on buses at night. The initiative significantly benefits women's savings and bus use, yet safety remains a concern due to poor lighting and infrequent schedules. Greenpeace calls for nationwide fare-free public transport.

Despite the milestone of issuing 100 crore 'pink' tickets, over 75% of women in Delhi report feeling unsafe on public buses at night, a new study by Greenpeace India reveals. The city's fare-free travel initiative was launched in October 2019 and has been a financial boon for many women.

The 'Pink Ticket' scheme, while increasing public bus usage among women by 25%, faces challenges related to safety, particularly due to poor lighting and infrequent schedules at night. Incidents of harassment, especially on overcrowded buses, exacerbate these concerns.

Greenpeace India advocates for expanding Delhi's bus fleet, enhancing safety measures, and calling for a nationwide rollout of similar schemes for women and transgender people to improve urban safety and promote sustainable transport solutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)