Though the Delhi government has once again decided to exempt women drivers from the provisions of odd-even, a large number of women have voluntarily decided to follow the rule.
A number of working women The Hindu spoke to said they are carpooling with friends and colleagues or are taking the bus or Metro to work.
They said the government had defeated the whole idea of odd-even by exempting so many categories of drivers — especially women driving alone.
“By exempting single women drivers, a different kind of elitist sexism comes into the picture as it excludes only the women who own vehicles. Carpooling is a feasible option for travelling,” said Ritika, a teacher and a resident of Saket.
With so many new start ups offering bike-sharing and car-pooling services, many women feel they don’t have to be depend on their colleagues, family members, the over-crowded Metro or unreliable buses.
App-based cab companies like Ola and Uber Cabs have launched their carpooling services to fill the gap. Nikita Singh, a student who commutes daily from Rohini to Noida, said: “I have started using the carpool service. It’s quite economical and very comfortable.”
As per the government notification, women driving alone, or with male kids younger than 13, are exempt from the odd-even rule. The decision, said a transport department official, was taken keeping in mind Delhi’s public transport system, which is still not considered safe for women despite deputation of marshals in buses.
“Before implementing the scheme on a monthly basis, the government should ensure women safety on public transport,” said Sachi Jahajgarhia, a homemaker staying in Hauz Khas.
(The writer is an intern with The Hindu )
Women drivers are observing
the scheme, but are avoiding
public transport
