Arvind Kejriwal announces free bus, metro rides for women in Delhi

New Delhi: As public transport is considered to be the safest mode of transport for women, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced free ride for women in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, cluster buses and Delhi Metro trains.

This decision comes after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha polls.

Kejriwal hoped that women, who earlier did not use public transport due to the high fares would now make use of free travel. He however added that those women who could afford to pay fares need not enjoy the subsidy.

The Chief Minister said he has given one week’s time to officials to make a detailed proposal – for both DTC and metro – on how and when can this be implemented.

Responding to criticism that the announcement was a poll gimmick, he said that there is no good time for rolling out welfare schemes.