Free bus rides: 3,600 pink cards issued from 50 centres on Day 1

New Delhi: A day after the launch of Saheli Pink National Common Mobility Card, Delhi govt on Tuesday began issuing the smart card to women residents from 50 centres across the city. Only women with an Aadhaar card proving Delhi residency are eligible for the card, which enables free travel on public buses. Over 3,600 cards were issued on the first day, an official said, adding that the turnout was less than expected due to Holi. "The cards are being issued instantly after Aadhaar cards are submitted and an Aadhaar-based verification is done," said an official. "The counters will function on the working days from 9am to 5pm. The shift to a smart card-based system will ensure better monitoring and prevent duplication," he added.
The move replaces the paper-based free travel ticket system, under which a pink slip is issued by a conductor allowing women a free ride. All women travelling by public buses in the city were eligible. Hailing the free ride, chief minister Rekha Gupta posted on X, "Through this single card, women will also be able to travel easily on the metro and RRTS. This decision of ours is an importa-nt step towards making tra-vel for Delhi's women safe and fully convenient."The cards, issued for free, are integrated under the ‘One Nation, One Card' framework, and "can be recharged and used for paid travel on the metro and RRTS, where free rides are not allowed", said the official.The distribution centres have been set up at the offices of all district magistrates and sub-divisional magistrates, and multiple DTC depots (pass sections), including Scindia House, Kashmere Gate, Dwarka, Rohini, Lajpat Nagar, Jamia, Seemapuri and university campuses such as North Campus (DU) and JNU.The use of pink slips will continue for the time being to help women with free rides, said officials. It will eventually be discontinued. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !