Bengaluru: With an aim to simplify the travel experience of passengers, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is planning to introduce a system of issuing tickets without effect, which will allow passengers to board buses without requiring . Of money in cash. This initiative has emerged as part of KSRTC’s commitment to embrace the emerging digital landscape and promote hassle-free travel.
These cashless transactions are continuously increasing, due to which KSRTC had to restart its system of issuing tickets. The upcoming system of issuing tickets without cash, the implementation of which is scheduled for April or May, will allow passengers to pay through various digital channels such as UPI, debit cards, credit cards and others. To facilitate this transition, KSRTC will use smart electronic ticket issuing machines (Smart ETMs) available on rental basis. This measure marks a significant change with respect to the previous ticket distribution system, which was entirely dependent on effective transactions.
After conducting the bidding process for supply and maintenance of smart ETMs, KSRTC will acquire a total of 10,245 machines on lease basis. Additionally, plans are underway to acquire 15,000 ETM smart phones on rental basis during the next five years. Smart ETM will not only streamline the ticket issuance process but will also serve as an integral tool for managing bus operations. Passengers will be asked to display QR codes in these machines, which will allow them to make payments through UPI and other digital payment applications. The tenders also specify the inclusion of functionalities that allow payment of bills through debit and credit cards such as National Mobility Common Card (NCMC).
Apart from issuing tickets, the intelligent ETM will capture detailed information on KSRTC bus operations, including route details, stop count, start and end hours of bus operations, revenue generated, fuel expenditure and kilometres. This integrated system promises greater efficiency and transparency in managing the extensive fleet of KSRTC buses.
The new ticket issuance system will also address the identification of passengers traveling under the Shakti scheme. In an innovative measure, KSRTC plans to issue identity cards with chips to women over a period of three months, which will facilitate hassle-free issuance of tickets by inserting these cards in automated cash registers. It is expected that this innovation will provide accurate data on the number of passengers benefiting from the Shakti scheme in KSRTC buses. Passengers can look forward to a travel experience that is more technologically advanced and easier to use as KSRTC embraces the era of intelligent ticketing and effective timing.
