Delhi extends free bus travel scheme to trans residents

The Delhi government has approved an expansion of its free bus travel scheme to include transgender passengers, marking a significant policy move toward greater transport access and dignity for queer and trans communities in the capital.

Officials announced on 16 March that the cabinet had cleared the proposal, which adds transgender residents to a programme that already provides free travel to women on buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and the city’s privately run cluster bus network.

“The government remains committed to building a more inclusive, equitable and compassionate Delhi, where every citizen is able to access opportunities and public services with dignity,” a statement from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s office said.

To qualify for free travel, transgender applicants must be residents of Delhi and hold a Certificate of Identity issued by the District Magistrate under Sections 5 and 6 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

Eligible residents will be issued Pink Saheli cards, which can be obtained at designated locations, including the offices of District Magistrates, Sub Divisional Magistrates, and selected DTC centres across the city.