The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s Pink Ticket scheme in Delhi, launched by AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal in 2019, has empowered millions of women over five years by providing free bus travel, distributing over 150 crore tickets.
This scheme has not only made public transport more accessible and safer but also strengthened women’s financial stability, with many using their savings for household expenses and emergencies.
AAP National Convenor and former CM of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal, took to social media platform ‘X’ on this occasion, saying, “Pleased to know that over 150 crore pink tickets have been distributed in DTC buses so far, enabling lakhs of women to travel for free every month. Savings from free commuting is now helping them support their families. As Delhi’s son and elder brother, it is my dream that every daughter and sister becomes self-reliant and fulfils her dreams.”
Celebrating five successful years of the AAP Govt’s Pink Ticket scheme, senior AAP leader Reena Gupta highlighted the scheme’s transformative impact on the lives of lakhs of women.
She said on ‘X’, “By 2024, over 150 crore pink tickets had been issued, offering women not only free bus services but also a pathway to greater self-reliance. This initiative has made public transport safer and more accessible for women than ever before. In the past five years, the number of women using buses has risen by 25%, with 15% now travelling without hesitation for the first time.”
Highlighting the most remarkable aspect of this scheme, Reena Gupta added that it hasn’t just made travel easier; it has also strengthened women’s financial stability. She further added, “Many women are using their savings from the Pink Ticket program for household expenses or setting funds aside for emergencies. Around 54% of women allocate these savings to household costs, while 50% are putting it toward an emergency fund.”
”The AAP government’s Pink Ticket scheme has empowered millions of women over the past five years, serving not only as a transportation initiative but also as a symbol of women’s freedom and rights. It specifically aims to benefit low and middle-class women. When the scheme was launched, then-Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal affirmed that it would continue despite any financial challenges,” stated the senior AAP leader.
Launched on Bhai Dooj in 2019, the scheme provides free travel for women on DTC buses. Women receive a single journey pass and must obtain a pink ticket. The Delhi Government covers the cost of these tickets, which are priced at 10 rupees, and compensates bus companies based on the total number issued. Participation is voluntary, leading to an increase in the number of women using public transport.
