In a place like Delhi, where the general occupants of public spaces are predominantly young able-bodied males, such a demand will, in fact, bring about a more equitable use of public space, which should actually be encouraged rather than dismissed.Įncouraging women to travel further will certainly bring them more opportunities and increase their purchasing power, again adding to the indirect tax pool. Sreedharan argues that making public transport free for women will encourage other groups like persons with disabilities, senior citizens, students etc to demand the same. The government can make ‘transport’ a ring-fenced entity where funds from one source can be used to enhance public resources.Īlso read: Is the Delhi Metro Really Public Transport?
But why is the road space – which is built entirely using public funds – not viewed with the same lens when it is being used by private transport virtually free of cost?ĭirect taxpayers (since everybody, even those buying a packet of biscuits are indirect taxpayers) complain of ‘their money’ being ‘misused’ in ‘freebies,’ but don’t question when their funds, used to build public roads, disproportionately favour private vehicle users.įor a sound public transport policy, it is imperative that less efficient modes of transport (a big car carrying only 1-2 passengers) that use more road space (commuting as well as free parking) be charged heavily to cross-subsidise public means of transport. Making a public transit system like the Delhi Metro free is seen as being ‘uneconomical’ and an ‘unnecessary burden’ on taxpayers.
While it may seem to be a sound ‘technical’ argument, is it really so – if we consider the economy of the transport scenario as a whole? This is assuming metro to be a ring-fenced entity, one that is solely responsible for its budget and accounts. His concern was about the economic feasibility of the policy for the Delhi Metro. Sreedharan, popularly known as the ‘Metro Man,’ recently voiced his displeasure over the Aam Aadmi Party’s decision to make public transport – metro and buses – free for women.
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