Arvind Kejriwal: Free public transport for senior citizens and students in the second phase       

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says his government is devoted to make life easier for the citizens in Delhi. Women should enjoy safe and affordable public transport on account of which he announced that the Delhi government is planning free rides for women in Delhi Metro and busses. He has now added more to his plans and said that a similar facility for senior citizens and students could be considered in the second phase.

While Speaking to senior citizens selected under Mukyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana, he promised that as soon as the plan for free rides for women gets executed, they will be next in line to avail the free public transport service in Delhi.

The decision for free rides for women, which is likely to cost the government approximately ₹1,600 crore this year, has been taken just a few months ahead of the assembly elections.

The government is working on a voluntary model for the scheme, where travellers can opt out of the subsidy. Officials in the Delhi government have been given a week to draft the proposal.

Officials of the Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC), which is a joint venture between the state and central governments, did not comment on the development.