Free Bus Ride Scheme Might Be Extended To Senior Citizens: Kejriwal

Mumbai: In another development, CM Arvind Kejriwal said that the free-ride scheme for women on Delhi public buses might be extended to senior citizens.

The scheme will help in empowering women by reducing the gender gap in the society, the chief minister said on his mobile application ‘AK App’.

“Now, girls and women have had to drop out of schools and colleges due to high transportation costs, they are not required to sacrifice their education. They can now take buses to good schools and colleges which are away from their homes. Similarly, women whose offices are far need not worry about transportation cost,” Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal said that bus rides for senior citizens and students can also be made free in the coming days.

“Not every step can be completed at once. We certainly will. Let us start with women and see the results, and based on the results we will definitely make these rides in the future for seniors and students,” he said.

On the deployment of marshals in the buses, he said that they will now be deployed in all public buses to ensure the safety and security of women.

Kejriwal said, “I warn all the goons harassing women in buses that if you try to harass women, there are marshals to take care of you.”

Emphasizing his government’s commitment to promoting women’s safety in Delhi, he said on Monday that the number of marshals on buses in the national capital would be increased by about 10,000 on the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj.

India will grow only when the women of the country grow. Giving free rides to women in buses can prove to be a major step towards women’s empowerment.

Delhi is scheduled to go to the polls early next year and opposition parties have been alleging that the AAP government is giving “freebies” to woo voters.

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