Delhi govt approves free bus travel for transgender passengers: CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi: The Delhi government has approved a proposal to include transgender passengers in the free bus travel scheme, the chief minister’s office said in a statement on Monday.More than 100,000 “Saheli Pink” cards have been issued since the program was launched earlier this month.“All women and trans people Adharka Residents of Delhi will be eligible for Saheli Pink Card,” a government official said.With this card, female passengers can also enjoy 10% discount on Delhi Metro and Rapid Railway travel.Officials said the decision to include transgender people in the scheme was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.“This important step reflects the Rekha Gupta government’s commitment to social inclusion, dignity and equal access to public services for all sections of society,” the statement said.The decision is intended to ensure members of the transgender community can travel around the city safely and conveniently without financial barriers, the statement added.Chief Minister Gupta said: “The government remains committed to building a more inclusive, equitable and compassionate Delhi where every citizen has dignified access to opportunities and public services.” According to officials, the facility will be implemented on the same model and mechanism as the current free travel scheme for women passengers in Delhi buses. The Delhi government has set up 50 authorized centers across the city to facilitate the issuance of Saheli Pink smart cards.President Droupadi Murmu launched the Pink National Public Transport (PNCM) card earlier this month.Gupta also said that the policy of free public transportation for women through pink tickets will continue for three months and urged them not to worry or rush to have a “Pink Saheli” card.