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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Safety and Access: Evaluating Delhi Govt's Decision on Public Transport -Kalpana Viswanath

Safety and Access: Evaluating Delhi Govt's Decision on Public Transport -Kalpana Viswanath

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published Published on Jun 5, 2019   modified Modified on Jun 6, 2019
-TheWire.in

It is important to look at the issue not just through the binary of whether one is for it or against it.

The Delhi government’s decision to make public transport free for women has been hotly since it was announced on Monday, with many people taking a strong position on either side. I think it useful to view the many dimensions of the issue, instead of seeing it as a binary of whether you are for it or against it.

Women’s participation in the work force is going down across the country, and in Delhi the figure is a mere 11%. The lack of safety, along with notions of protecting women, have served to restrict opportunities for women in education, work and leisure. Women are not equal citizens when fear and cultural norms restrict them. Further, we know that women are still seen as the primary caregivers, and they carry the burden of work inside as well as outside the home.

The discussions over the Delhi government’s decision have also shone light on the realities of different women in the city. For women from the lower classes and low income areas, free or subsidised travel could enhance their economic opportunities. One study has shown that in Delhi, a majority of low income women work within a 5 km radius of their home, whereas 75% men work within a 12 km radius.  Clearly women are restricted in the opportunities that they are able to avail.

One criticism has been that all women do not need free rides or even subsidies. This is entirely true. But the free ride is voluntary – women who feel they do not need a free ride should continue to pay for public transport.

Some people have criticised the move as not addressing the issue of safety. Yes, it is true that safety of public transport is very important as well as ensuring last mile connectivity. We need well lit and accessible bus stops, as well as well organised last mile transit around bus stops and metro stations. Several countries in the world have introduced a “between stops” programme where women who are on their own can ask a bus to stop near their destination to enable them to get back safely. The need for safe and efficient first and last mile connectivity is crucial.

Please click here to read more.

TheWire.in, 4 June, 2019, https://thewire.in/women/delhi-government-free-public-transport-women-safety


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