Women passengers in Delhi can continue travelling for free on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses using paper-based pink tickets until August 31. The Delhi government has extended the facility by another two weeks as it prepares to shift completely to the digital Pink Saheli Smart Card system. Read on to know more.
Delhi Women Can Use Pink Tickets Till Aug 31
As per a report by News18, an official order issued on Saturday, August 15, confirmed the latest extension. This is the second time the government has postponed the deadline to give women passengers more time to switch to the smart card system.
The Pink Saheli Smart Card was earlier scheduled to become mandatory from August 16. However, women can now continue using paper pink tickets for free bus travel until the end of August.
The extension is aimed at ensuring a smoother transition to the digital system and giving commuters additional time to obtain their smart cards. The mandatory switch was previously pushed from August 1 to August 16. Around 18 lakh Pink Saheli Smart Cards have been distributed across Delhi so far. Authorities are aiming to increase this number before the paper-ticket facility ends.
The additional time will also allow women commuters to familiarise themselves with the new contactless ticketing system before it becomes mandatory.
Pink Saheli Smart Card To Be Mandatory From September 1
The government plans to intensify awareness campaigns during the extended period. Announcements will be made at bus depots and inside buses, while information will also be circulated through social media and print media.
The aim is to reach women who have not yet obtained the Pink Saheli Smart Card and explain the process of using the new system.
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is based on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework and is part of Delhi’s transition from paper tickets to contactless digital ticketing.
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The system was introduced in March as an alternative to the pink tickets used for women’s free bus travel since the scheme began in October 2019.
The latest extension will remain valid only until August 31. From September 1, women who do not have a Pink Saheli Smart Card will have to purchase regular bus tickets on DTC and cluster services.
Eligible passengers are therefore encouraged to obtain the smart card during the extended period if they wish to continue travelling for free.
Good news for Delhi women commuters.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Is pink pass available in Delhi bus?
Yes, the free pink pass/ticket system is available in Delhi buses.
Can I apply for the Pink Saheli card online in Delhi?
You cannot fully complete the application for the Pink Saheli Smart Card entirely online.
How to get saheli pink card for bus?
To get a Saheli Pink Smart Card for free bus travel in Delhi, visit an authorized DTC center, depot, or designated local camp with your physical Aadhaar card.
