Following the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the Karnataka State Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is in discussions with vendors to introduce smart cards in its buses.
According to officials, the smart cards — tenders for which will be invited soon —will replace passes for students, physically challenged commuters, and freedom fighters. “This will be done by the next financial year,” a senior KSRTC official said. “We are discussing the technical requirements. If one student takes a pass in Class 8, he will not have to apply for a fresh one in Class 9. He will just have to top it up. We are working on such modalities,” the official added. According to KSRTC, there are around 5.6 lakh students availing bus passes in KSRTC, and around one lakh physically challenged passes currently issued.
KSRTC has also called for tenders for supplying Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) fitted with GPS that can support smart cards. “We will be procuring around 10,000 ETMS,” S.R.Umashankar, Managing Director, KSRTC, said.
According to senior KSRTC officials, work is also under way to launch KSRTC e-wallets. “This way, there will be no fear of losing credit/debit card details to hackers. They can load the required amount in the wallet and purchase tickets online,” an official said.
Vinay Srinivas of the Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike said though introduction of smart cards is a good move, KSRTC should keep in mind that people in rural areas also use their buses. “There should also be a option of getting tickets,” he said.
Commuters also felt the need for KSRTC to have a committee comprising bus passengers, officials, and other stake holders. “They can get opinion from us when introducing such facilities,” he said.
