Arvind Kejriwal: Travel in Delhi Metro, DTC and cluster buses free for women

Eyeing on 2020 polls, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal government on Monday has announced free rides for women on all DTC buses, cluster buses and metro trains for in Delhi.

"Women will be allowed to travel free of cost so that they have safe travel experience and can access modes of transport which they were not able to, due to high prices," said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

"Subsidy won't be imposed on anyone. There are several women who can afford these modes of transport. Those who can afford can purchase tickets, they needn't take subsidy. We encourage those, who can afford, to buy tickets¬ take subsidy so that others could benefit," he added.

"I've given one-week time to officials to make a detailed proposal - for both DTC & metro - on how & when can this be implemented. We're making an effort to start this within 2-3 months. We're also seeking suggestions from people, regarding implementation," Kejriwal said on Monday.

"Initially we'd told Centre not to increase prices of tickets, they didn't agree. We told them we've 50-50 partnership, let's give 50-50 subsidy on raised prices, they didn't agree. Delhi govt will bear the fare of what we're going to do.We needn't take approval for this," he added.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Kejriwal had first hinted about the scheme in a public meeting on Saturday.  “The government is considering to waive fare for women in DTC buses and Delhi Metro to encourage them to use public transport in view of their safety. An announcement in this regard will be made on June 3,” Kejriwal had said.

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