Despite the Delhi government’s “Pink Ticket” scheme enabling free bus travel for women since October 2019, a recent Greenpeace report reveals that 77% of women feel unsafe on buses after dark due to poor lighting, infrequent schedules, and incidents of harassment, particularly in overcrowded buses. While the scheme has issued over 100 crore tickets and contributed to both economic savings for women and environmental benefits, safety remains a primary concern.
Public Transit Use and Economic Impact
The report, titled Riding the Justice Route, notes that 75% of surveyed women benefit from savings thanks to the fare-free scheme, often redirecting these funds toward household needs, emergencies, and healthcare. Additionally, 25% of respondents reported an increase in bus usage, with more women who once avoided buses now becoming regular riders.
Safety and Service Gaps
While the scheme aims to make public transit accessible and support gender equality, safety remains a critical barrier. With 77% of women feeling unsafe after dark, Greenpeace emphasizes the need to address core safety issues by expanding the fleet, improving lighting, and providing more consistent service schedules.
Call for National Policy
Greenpeace India has urged the adoption of fare-free public transport for women and transgender people nationwide, aiming to promote safer, more sustainable transit solutions across urban areas. According to Greenpeace campaigner Aakiz Farooq, only through enhanced safety measures, fleet expansion, and reliable connectivity can the Pink Ticket scheme reach its transformative potential.