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'Gives Me Confidence': What Delhi Women Think Of The New Free Travel Program

The Delhi government has launched the Pink Saheli Smart Card, allowing women and transgender residents to travel free on DTC and Cluster buses.

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Nidhi Singh
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In a move towards safer, smarter, and more inclusive public transport, the Delhi government has launched the Pink Saheli Smart card. The new card will allow women and transgender residents of Delhi to travel for free on all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses.

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Redefining Public Transport Through Inclusion

From students to working professionals, women in Delhi share a common struggle: the daily challenge of travelling safely and affordably across the city. Likewise, transgender citizens continue to battle for dignity, safety, and acceptance in public spaces.

Amid these challenges, a scheme promoting free and safe travel aims to symbolise the national capital's commitment to equality and inclusion. CM Rekha Gupta announced the initiative with pride, saying she understands how even a small step in mobility can bring a big change in women’s daily lives.

The scheme applies to residents aged 12 and above, focusing on equality and confidence in public transport for women and transgender persons. It also signifies the government’s push to link digital innovation with social empowerment.

What Delhi Commuters Say

“My journeys aren’t long, but they matter, from dropping my kids off to attending their school meetings.”

“Earlier, we used the pink tickets for free rides, but sometimes it got confusing or crowded at the counter,” says Seema, 35, a homemaker from East Delhi. “Now with the Smart Card, it’s easier and quicker. I can travel anytime without standing in line or worrying about carrying change. It feels more organised and respectful, like the system finally understands our everyday needs.”

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Saheli Pink Smart Card
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“Free travel is nice, but it doesn’t make the road any shorter.”

“I work as a software engineer in Gurugram, and my commute from South Delhi easily takes over two hours one way,” said Priya, 28, who works at a tech firm. “The traffic is still unbearable. By the time I reach home, I’m exhausted. I just wish the focus was also on improving bus frequency and dedicated lanes for women commuters.”

“The card helps with fares, but the real struggle is still reaching on time.”

“I travel from Najafgarh Road to Pankha Road every day to give home tuitions,” said Amrita, 25, a private tutor. “Now I don’t have to worry about fares anymore, which is a relief. But during peak hours, the buses are overcrowded and sometimes don’t stop properly. I often end up waiting for long or standing the whole way.”

“It’s not just free travel, it’s freedom to move without worry.”

“I travel across Delhi every day for college,” said Ritu, 22, a student. “The new Smart Card saves money and gives me the confidence to travel on my own. What I really appreciate is that it also includes the transgender community; it feels like a genuine step toward equality.”

Views expressed by the author are their own.

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