Pink Saheli Card mandatory for free bus travel in Delhi has become the latest change for women using DTC and cluster buses, as the government moves away from the paper-based pink ticket system.
The Delhi government has notified that eligible women residents can use the free travel facility on DTC and cluster buses through the Pink Saheli Smart Card.
The amended rules cover both AC and non-AC buses.
The paper-based pink ticket system is being phased out as the smart card becomes the mechanism for availing free travel.
Women who do not have the required card can still travel by purchasing a regular ticket and paying the applicable fare.
Pink Saheli Card Mandatory for Free Bus Travel
Under the revised arrangement, eligible women residents of Delhi need to use a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card to claim free travel on DTC and cluster buses.
The facility also applies to eligible transgender residents.
Passengers who are not eligible for the free-travel benefit can continue using the buses by paying the applicable fare.
The smart card system was introduced to replace the earlier paper-based pink tickets.
The government had extended the paper-ticket arrangement several times while encouraging eligible passengers to obtain the new cards.
What Happens to Pink Tickets Now
The paper pink ticket system is being discontinued as the government shifts to the smart card-based system.
The latest notification formally moves free bus travel towards the Pink Saheli Smart Card arrangement.
According to reports, around 19 lakh Pink Saheli Smart Cards had already been issued in Delhi before the transition.
The government has also continued efforts to make commuters aware of the change and encourage them to obtain the card.
Women without the required smart card cannot use the free-travel facility through the old paper ticket arrangement.
They would instead need to purchase a regular bus ticket at the applicable fare.
Who Can Use the Free Bus Facility
The revised rules provide free travel to eligible women residents of Delhi on DTC and cluster buses.
The facility covers both AC and non-AC services.
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is therefore important for women who regularly depend on these buses and want to continue using the free-travel benefit under the revised system.
The change also marks a move from paper tickets to a digital card-based process for the Delhi bus travel scheme.
The government has been encouraging commuters to obtain the card ahead of the complete transition.
Why the Change Matters for Passengers
The shift means eligible passengers now need to keep the smart card with them when using the free bus facility.
Those without the card may still use DTC and cluster buses, but they have to pay the applicable fare instead of travelling free.
For regular women commuters, obtaining and carrying the Pink Saheli Smart Card is therefore essential to continue receiving the free-travel benefit under the new system.
