Traveling with Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses is set to become easy and convenient. The department is all set to introduce cashless transactions. Commuters will not have to fuss about carrying the exact change of the fare very soon, with UPI and other digital means of payment integrating with bus conductors’ Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs). Yes, UPI will now be integrated into the current system and travellers will be able to make payments using UPI and other modes.
UPI Payments Soon in KSRTC Buses
The move comes in response to the long-pending demand from passengers for cashless payment options to further make the travel experience easy. The public relations officer of KSRTC said the corporation has tied up with EbixCash Ltd for installing an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS). The system will revolutionize the way how payments and ticketing are done. Some of the features that this system offers include:
Card payments through credit and debit cards.
- Unified Payments Interface (UPI): Pay using just a mobile number with UPI.
- Ticketing and validation through QR: Scan and go with less confusion.
- Real-Time Data Dashboard: follow the number of tickets sold at any time and revenue collected in real-time.
Introduction to Smart Ticketing Machines
Currently, KSRTC uses GPRS-based ETMs, but the corporation is in the process of replacing these with newer, smarter ETMs. The corporation, while reaching its goal of going cashless, can issue many types of tickets efficiently by using these newer, smarter ETMs, such as:
Standard Tickets: For journeys with no frills.
Concession Tickets: Reduced rates are available for eligible people.
Ticketed Luggage: Save your wallet from being overcharged for luggage.
Inspector and Police Warrant Tickets: Inspector and police warrant tickets are provisioned for performing official duties.
What has happenned so far?
Earlier this year, KSRTC had come out with a tender to find the technology solution provider who would supply, commission, and maintain these ETMs on a rental basis over four years. It aims at distributing across regions 10,245 ETMs for its availability and reach.
This will include the following key distributions:
Bangalore Central: 825 ETMs
Mysore : 1435 ETMs
Mangalore: 600 ETMs
Tumkur: 800 ETMs
Benefits of Going Digital
Going digital is part of overall services modernization of KSRTC and their level of service in line with the changing needs of current times. Through digitalization, KSRTC promises simple and more importantly fast payment for their services, and that each transaction made is secure.
This transformation is expected to bring forth significant dividends for the passengers and the corporation at large, improvement in satisfaction and the efficiency of operations. Looking Towards a Digital Future As the KSRTC forays into this initiative, the future of public transport in Karnataka surely seems to be digital. In this line, the world is trying to become cashless in economies and an ever-increasing reliance on digital technologies in day-to-day transactions. From now on, the travel experience onboard KSRTC buses can be expected to be more easy and modern, and therefore, will offer further impetus toward promoting public transport for daily commutes and other travel in this region.