In his attempt to gauge public mood in the aftermath of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's announcement to make travel free for women in Metro and buses, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday travelled with passengers in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses. Sisodia said that he wanted a direct feedback from girls and women travelling with him. Sisodia travelled on seven different buses and interacted with the commuters.
The Deputy CM entered inside a bus from Delhi Secretariat to IP Power station via ITO, Mandi House, Shahjahan Road UPSC to INA market, Lodhi Road to Connaught Place. He interacted with the people especially women and senior citizens to seek their feedback and suggestions on the scheme for free metro and bus ride for women. He travelled on both DTC (both AC and non-AC) and cluster buses.
While many passengers were unaware about Delhi Government's any such plan and some who had clue about this 'free ride scheme' asked the Deputy CM to implement it in both metro and DTC buses saying it will empower woman to travel and step out of home. When Sisodia interacted with a girl student preparing for competitive exam said, "This is a good step especially for students and working women especially those from economically weaker sections, adding on she said, I only use bus as it is affordable."
Another 50-year-old woman said, "This will be a good scheme if implemented and I hope it starts soon as I never travelled in metro as it costs much. It takes extra time in buses to reach to the destination while in metro, people reach to their destination early but the cost is very high. I spend 500-700 per month in bus, if I travel in metro, I will have to spend Rs 100 per day which is beyond my monthly budget."
Another passenger told the Deputy CM to implement the scheme soon and requested him to reduce the price of eatables and groceries and daily household items such as wheat, lentils and rice.
During his day-long trip, Sisodia interacted with nearly 50 passengers. "It is very interesting to talk to these passengers and listen to their story. There are hundreds of people who travel in buses only and still dream to travel in metro as the metro fare is too expensive a common man in the city to afford. I spoke with more than 50 women and men in DTC buses to understand what they feel about #FreeMetroForWomen? Not even one citizen said that it's a bad idea On the contrary, everybody said public transport is more secure for women and it would save them Rs 2,000-Rs 3,000 per month," said Sisodia.
"I wish with implementing this scheme, the Government should also increase the number of buses and its frequency. The free public transport for woman will not only empower woman but it will provide safe and secure travel for woman and can save more Rs 3,000 and can also travel in metro," said Meera, a passenger.
Meanwhile, addressing the media, Sisodia said, "Why are they (BJP leaders) spreading misinformation about this scheme? We are looking more on the feedback. This (AAP) Government uses the people's tax for the welfare and betterment of public and not like the other (BJP) corrupt people who like to spend people's tax to satisfy their personal needs," said the deputy Chief Minister, adding that BJP uses money on statue, PM suit," he said.
