More than 75 per cent of women feel unsafe while commuting on Delhi buses during nighttime, even though the city government’s fare-free bus travel initiative has surpassed the issuance of 100 crore 'pink' tickets to women, according to a report.
The latest report titled 'Riding the Justice Route' by Greenpeace India, a non-governmental organization, indicates that 75 percent of the women surveyed have experienced considerable savings from the 'Pink Ticket' program, with many using these funds for household expenses, emergencies, and healthcare needs.
Moreover, 25 per cent of the respondents have increased their use of public buses, and several women who previously avoided bus travel have become frequent passengers since the initiative launched in October 2019, as noted in the report.
Despite this, safety concerns remain, with 77 per cent of women expressing feelings of insecurity on buses after dark due to inadequate lighting and irregular bus schedules, the report mentioned.
Additionally, many women have reported experiencing harassment, particularly in crowded buses, it stated.
Through the 'Pink Ticket' initiative, women can travel free on Delhi's public buses, although they can choose to purchase tickets if they prefer.
"This scheme has unlocked public transit for women in Delhi," said Greenpeace India campaigner Aakiz Farooq.
"But for it to be truly transformative, we need to expand the fleet, enhance safety, and ensure well-connected services to make public transport accessible for everyone," he said.
The report also noted that with the milestone of 100 crore 'pink' tickets, the scheme has not only supported women's economic and social independence but also contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging public transit use over private vehicles.
Greenpeace India further called for a nationwide adoption of fare-free public transport for women and transgender people, alongside infrastructure improvements, to create safer and more sustainable cities across the country.
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