Over 75 per cent of women feel unsafe commuting in Delhi buses after dark, even as the city government's fare-free bus travel scheme has crossed the milestone of 100 crore 'pink' tickets issued to women, a report said.
In its latest 'Riding the Justice Route' report, Greenpeace India, a non-governmental organisation, said 75 per cent of the surveyed women have seen significant savings from the 'Pink Ticket' scheme, with many redirecting these funds to household needs, emergencies, and healthcare.
Additionally, 25 per cent of the surveyed women have increased their use of public buses, and more women who previously avoided buses have become regular riders since the scheme's launch in October 2019, the report said.
However, safety issues persist, with 77 per cent of women feeling unsafe on buses after dark due to poor lighting and infrequent bus schedules, it pointed out.
Many women have also reported incidents of harassment, especially in overcrowded buses, it added.
Under the 'Pink Ticket' scheme, no woman has to pay to travel in Delhi's public buses but women have the option of purchasing tickets if they wish to.
"This scheme has unlocked public transit for women in Delhi," said Greenpeace India campaigner Aakiz Farooq.
"But for it to be truly transformative, we need to expand the fleet, enhance safety, and ensure well-connected services to make public transport accessible for everyone," he said.
The report also noted that with the milestone of 100 crore 'pink' tickets, the scheme has not only supported women's economic and social independence but also contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging public transit use over private vehicles.
Greenpeace India further called for a nationwide adoption of fare-free public transport for women and transgender people, alongside infrastructure improvements, to create safer and more sustainable cities across the country.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Delhi Government Launches 350 E-Buses Delhi Lt Governor, Chief Minister Jointly Flag Off 500 New Electric Buses Entry Of Buses In Delhi To Be Restricted Under Final Stage Of Pollution Plan Russia's Firing Of ICBM On Ukraine Is Weapon's 1st Combat Use In History This Asian City Is Emerging As Sex Tourism Hub. It's Not Where You Think 2 More Exit Polls Predict Landslide For NDA In Maharashtra Global Leaders Split As World Court Issues Arrest Warrant For Netanyahu Russia Puts US Base In Poland On Priority List For "Potential Elimination" "Have Right To Strike...": Putin's Veiled Warning To US, UK Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.