The Delhi government is set to phase out the pink ticket system introduced in 2019 and make Pink Saheli Smart Cards mandatory for women travelling free on DTC and cluster buses from July. This move aims to digitize the free travel facility and integrate it with the National Common Mobility Card framework under the Centre's 'One Nation, One Card' initiative.
Awareness Campaigns to Promote Card Usage
Authorities have announced that awareness campaigns will be conducted on buses and at depots over the coming weeks to help commuters understand how to use the pink cards properly. Currently, only 5% to 6% of pink card holders tap their cards while travelling, with many women still relying on the old pink ticket system.
Registration and Eligibility
Since registrations began in March, around six lakh women commuters have received Pink Saheli Smart Cards from 58 registration centres across Delhi. The facility is available only to women residing in Delhi. Applicants must submit a Delhi Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
How the System Works
Women commuters availing the free travel facility will have to tap their Pink Saheli Smart Cards while boarding buses so that every journey is digitally recorded in the transport system. This integration with the One Nation, One Card framework aims to streamline travel and subsidy management.
Transition from Pink Tickets to Digital Cards
The pink ticket system, introduced in 2019, allowed women to travel for free on DTC and cluster buses. However, the new smart card system is expected to provide better data on travel patterns and ensure that subsidies are used effectively. Officials believe that the digital system will also reduce fraud and make the process more efficient.
Women who have not yet registered for the Pink Saheli Smart Card are encouraged to do so at the nearest registration centre. The government plans to distribute cards to all eligible women in the coming months, with the goal of achieving 100% digital adoption by the end of the year.
