Gender Inclusion in Public Transport: Women Drivers Take the Wheels as DTC Bus Drivers

In 2014, Azad Foundation began engaging with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) for inclusion of women as bus drivers in Delhi’s public transport. Through continued efforts, a major milestone was achieved in 2022 when the DTC relaxed criteria such as height, experience requirements, and training fees, enabling 93 women to become bus drivers today, with 46 trained by Azad. To build on this progress, Azad initiated a study in 2023-24 to identify challenges faced by women drivers. The findings will guide future policy engagements, aiming to create a more gender-inclusive environment within the DTC.

Collaboration for Promoting a Gender-Inclusive and Sustainable Market

Azad and its strategic partner Sakha’s collaboration with Snap-E Cabs, a public electric transport service in Kolkata, empowers women drivers through gender-sensitive norms and electric vehicle (EV) training. This initiative includes free training, job placements, and supportive working conditions, resulting in 12 women drivers securing employment and 29 currently undergoing training. Supported by the National Thermal Power Corporation Group of Colleges, British High Commissioner, and KPMG under Utkarsh Bangla, it ensures women’s placement with Snap-E Cabs and opens doors to opportunities with Uber and British Telecom.