Buses are Free for Women in Delhi: What Can the World Learn From That?

What happens when public transport is made free for women? And how does mobility shape access to work, education, and safety?

Hosts Yewande Omotoso and Carl Schlyter are joined by Nishant, a researcher and member of the Public Transport Forum Delhi, to explore the impact of Delhi’s fare-free bus policy for women.

From improving gender equality to reducing emissions and easing urban congestion, they talk about how mobility is more than just getting from place to place, it’s about power, freedom, and inclusion. They discuss what the world can learn from this initiative—and whether other cities should follow. Nishant shares insights from his work on the Riding the Justice Route report for Greenpeace India, highlighting how accessible transport can drive social and environmental change.

To commemorate International Women’s Day, this episode asks: How can free public transport create more equitable cities for women and a greener world for all?

What can you do?

• If you live in India, share your thoughts on public buses with this 2-minute survey. Greenpeace India is on a mission to make public transport smooth, safe, and free, especially for women and transgender individuals.
• Read/share the Greenpeace Mobility Vision
• Support change when it arrives
•  If you live in an area with proposed changes to transport, like a new bicycle lane, or bus stop, be noisy about your support. Very often these changes, even small ones, get knocked down by opposition
• Support transport workers when they are struggling for better working conditions and for investment in public transport

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