NEW DELHI: Women travelling on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses will be able to continue using pink tickets for free travel until September 17, with the Delhi government extending the transition period before the Pink Saheli smart card becomes mandatory, transport minister Pankaj Singh said on Monday.The transport department had earlier decided to make the Pink Saheli smart card mandatory from August 31. The deadline has now been extended to September 17, news agency PTI reported.“The extension has been given till September 17. Pink Tickets will continue to be issued till the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ensuring that women continue to receive the facility of free travel in buses without any inconvenience. After September 17, the Pink Saheli Smart Card arrangement will be implemented,” Singh said.Singh said the response to the Pink Saheli smart card initiative had been encouraging, with nearly 19 lakh women having already applied or registered for the card.“It is a matter of great happiness that our mothers and sisters in Delhi have shown tremendous enthusiasm for the Pink Saheli Smart Card. Nearly 19 lakh women have already applied or registered for the card,” Singh added.During the extended period, the government will step up public awareness efforts through depot announcements, in-bus announcements, social media, print media and other communication channels.Officials said the existing paper-based pink ticket system will be gradually phased out and replaced with a smart card-based mechanism for women to avail themselves of free bus travel.The Delhi government has set up 50 authorised centres across the city for issuing Pink Saheli smart cards.Women who have not yet registered will continue to have access to the registration and card issuance process even after September 17 through the designated facilities, Singh said.(With agency inputs)
