Free bus rides for women from October 29, says Kejriwal

New Delhi: Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced that rides on DTC and cluster buses will be free for women from October 29 as a ‘Raksha Bandhan’ gift for them.

Delivering the last Independence Day speech of his term at Chhatrasal Stadium, Mr Kejriwal said his government is also working on its decision to provide free rides to women in the Delhi Metro. “On the day of Raksha Bandhan, I want to give a gift to our sisters that there will be free rides for women on all DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and cluster buses from October 29, the occasion of Bhai Dooj, which will ensure their safety,” the chief minister said.

Mr Kejriwal had announced free rides for women in public transport buses and Delhi Metro in June. There are 5,500 buses, including of 3,800 of the Delhi Transport Corporation and over 1,600 cluster (orange) buses operated by the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System.

“With this move, our sisters will be able to fulfil their dreams because they have to travel long distances for their studies and work,” Mr Kejriwal said.

Speaking about those opposing his government’s free ride scheme, the chief minister said: “Their first point was that everything is being made free. I want to tell them that I am not splurging or stealing money.”