The Delhi government’s fare-free public transport (FFPT) scheme for women, launched in October 2019 by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has significantly improved access to jobs, education, and healthcare for women, particularly from low-income households. A research paper titled Fare-free Bus Travel Scheme for Women: Lessons from Delhi, released by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India, highlighted the scheme’s impact on women’s mobility and financial independence.
The study, authored by WRI India researchers Harshita Jamba, Aravinda Devaraj, and Chaitanya Kanuri, found that the share of female ridership in Delhi’s state-run buses increased from 33% in 2019-20 to 42% in 2022-23. Women can opt for free travel by obtaining a pink single-journey ticket, a move that has helped them save on commuting costs.
Financial Relief for Women Commuters
According to the survey, which included 2,010 women across 15 locations in Delhi, nearly 50% of women saved at least ₹500 per month due to the scheme. The study also found that:
- 95% of women bus users did not have access to a private vehicle and relied on buses due to financial constraints.
- Women saved up to 8% of their household income per month.
- The scheme reduced dependency on male family members for travel expenses.
Kanuri, associate director of Electric Mobility at WRI India, noted that the fare waiver allowed women to make short-distance trips without incurring higher per-kilometre costs, which were previously a deterrent due to Delhi’s telescopic fare structure.
Challenges Faced by Women Commuters
Despite the benefits, the study pointed out that inadequate and inefficient bus services, overcrowding, and harassment continue to affect women’s access to safe transport.
- Safety Concerns: About 59% of surveyed women reported concerns over safety due to hostile behavior from bus staff and fellow passengers.
- Operational Challenges: Some drivers allegedly refused to stop for women passengers, and the reserved seating for women was often not respected.
Comparisons with Other States
The research noted that similar fare-free public transport schemes in Punjab and Karnataka faced comparable challenges, including discriminatory behavior by bus staff and a lack of proper enforcement of women’s seating reservations.
Recommendations for Improvement
The study suggested key measures to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness:
- Increase Bus Fleet and Frequency: Expanding the number of buses and improving service frequency would help meet growing demand.
- Staff Sensitization: Conducting gender-sensitivity training for bus staff could improve the commuting experience for women.
- Data Collection for Better Planning: Monitoring gender-disaggregated ticket sales and transit data can help authorities adapt services in real-time to address demand fluctuations.
Contrary to concerns over financial viability, the study found that the cost of providing free bus travel for women is a minor portion of the overall operational expenses of government-run public transport.
As Delhi’s fare-free bus service continues, researchers emphasize that addressing service quality and safety concerns will be crucial for ensuring long-term success and further empowering women commuters.
Sources By Agencies