Delhi to End Pink Ticket System from July, Women Must Use Smart Cards for Free Bus Travel (OpenAi)
New Delhi: There is going to be a big change in the free bus travel system for women in Delhi. Delhi government is preparing to completely abolish the existing “Pink Ticket” system and implement “Saheli Smart Card” from July 2026. After this, women will have to use smart cards for free travel in DTC and cluster buses. The government says that this will make the system more digital, transparent and convenient.
The Pink Ticket Scheme, which has been running since 2019, will now be closed in a phased manner. Till now, women used to travel free in buses by taking pink ticket from the conductor, but from July 2026, “Pink Saheli Smart Card” will be made mandatory in its place.
It is a digital National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) based smart card launched by the Delhi government for women and transgender commuters. Through this card one can travel free in DTC and cluster buses. Also, it can be recharged and used in metro and other transit services.
Women residents of Delhi and people of transgender community will be able to avail this facility. For this, Aadhar card with a Delhi address has been said to be necessary. The government has already extended this scheme to transgender passengers also.
The government has set up several distribution centers in the city, where cards are being issued after Aadhaar verification. Cards are also being made available at DTC depots, district offices and some university campuses.
The government says that with the implementation of the smart card system, duplication will be stopped, travel records will be maintained better and women will not need to buy tickets again and again. It has also been linked to the “One Nation, One Card” scheme.
At present the pink ticket system is continuing and women are getting the facility of free travel as before. But the government has made it clear that a smart card will be necessary after July 2026.
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