Delhi ends pink paper tickets for women's free bus travel; Saheli Smart Cards now mandatory

Women in Delhi can no longer use pink paper tickets for free travel on DTC and cluster buses starting October 4, as the Delhi government has made Pink Saheli Smart Cards mandatory for the scheme. The transport department amended the 1985 regulations on Saturday, with approval from Lieutenant Governor Tranjit Singh Sandhu. Women without the card must purchase tickets at standard fares, while eligible women and transgender people can still travel free on AC and non-AC buses. The smart cards, launched in March, require Aadhaar-based verification for women with a Delhi address, and over 1.85 million have been issued by September. The cards also function as a common mobility card for other public transport after recharge.