Latest news with #ETMs


News18
23-07-2025
- Business
- News18
DTC to hire agency for high-quality video production of flagship initiatives
New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) In a strategic move to revamp its public image and highlight its efforts for sustainable urban mobility, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is planning to engage a professional videography agency to produce content. The collaboration aims to produce high-quality visual content that not only documents but also visually transforms the portrayal of DTC's key public service initiatives, officials said. The public transporter is currently implementing a series of flagship projects across the National Capital Region, including the introduction of smart cards for women travellers, deployment of zero-emission electric buses, use of electronic ticketing machines (ETMs), and modernisation of bus depots and terminals. According to officials, the selected agency will be responsible for end-to-end production of 10 professionally edited videos in various formats and durations — 30 seconds, two minutes and five minutes — suitable for digital, social media, and public communication platforms. The scope of work includes conceptualisation, HD and drone video shoots, background music, professional voiceovers in Hindi and English, infographics, motion graphics, subtitles and final editing. The agency will also ensure delivery in both high-definition and compressed formats. The selected agency will create interactive, high-resolution, and fully integrated videos of projects of DTC being carried out in various depots, terminals and offices of DTC. The content will focus on the transformation of Delhi's public transport system, highlighting efforts towards commuter convenience and environmental sustainability, the official added. This step is the latest in the series of initiatives being taken by the public transporter to undergo an image makeover. The CAG reports tabled by the government in March this year showed that the DTC's liabilities rose from Rs 28,263 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 65,274 crore in 2021-22. DTC is also looking to hire a digital marketing agency to maximise its revenues. The public transporter is currently operating 44 depots in Delhi and one in Noida. DTC has an active fleet of 3,266 buses, including 1950 electric ones. PTI SLB NB view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 17:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Indian Express
20-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Delhi govt plans 145 new routes for DEVI buses, pilot project in Yamuna Vihar
To encourage more people to travel by the newly-launched Delhi EV Connector (DEVI) buses, the Transport department is planning to start 145 new routes for these 9-m long buses, along with dedicated bus stops to provide last mile connectivity. According to a senior department official, currently, these buses are running on routes meant for the 12-m-long Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses, covering long distances. The DEVI buses, however, are meant to ensure last mile connectivity and ply in areas where the 12-m buses cannot enter. 'We observed that the ridership in the small buses are less when compared to the 12-m long buses, limiting their effectiveness. To address this, the government has collaborated with IIT Delhi to design a comprehensive new route plan,' said an official. The key aim behind this plan is to improve bus connectivity in underserved localities and ensure better integration with Metro services, the official added. 'As many as 145 new routes have been identified for DEVI buses… These routes have been made keeping in mind the last mile connectivity, proximity to Metro stations… While Metro is a lifeline for many in Delhi, there is lack of transport facilities available for last mile connectivity.' Officials said a pilot project will be started from Yamuna Vihar, following which the model will be implemented across the city. Officials further said they plan to develop new bus stops for DEVI buses. 'Unlike the existing stops, these upcoming bus stops will be different. They will have small digital boards displaying information about bus routes, locations, bus numbers, as well as arrival and departure time. We are also consulting DMRC for this project,' said the official. Moreover, officials said the DTC is planning a mega revamp in the ticketing system by introducing National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) smart cards for travel in buses and Metro. It is also planning to go cashless by introducing Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM) for bus journeys, they added. 'ETM machines have been deployed as a pilot project in three bus depots at Rajghat 2, Kalkaji and Hasanpur. These depots run around 700 buses. On these buses, more than 95% tickets are being sold using these ETMs,' said the official. According to officials, people can tap their Metro or NCMC compliance smart cards on these machines and buy tickets. These cards can be used in both Metro and Rapid Rail.


New Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Charge-draining ETMs spell trouble for KSRTC in Kerala; plans afoot to install charging points in buses
THIRUVANTHAPURAM: KSRTC is in a fix over the battery-draining electronic ticketing machines (ETMs), which are crucial for cashless payment and live tracking of buses. The conductors are hesitant to use the machines as the new machines drain their battery quickly, defeating the purpose. With over 22 lakh passengers relying on KSRTC services daily, the corporation has been forced to incur additional expenses to keep the ETMs running. Frequent recharging has become necessary, adding to operational strain. ETMs have long posed issues for KSRTC, but conductors earlier managed with traditional ticket racks when machines failed. However, this backup is no longer viable as the corporation has grown increasingly dependent on ETMs following its digitisation efforts. KSRTC recently introduced travel cards, UPI payment options, and live bus tracking on select routes, further embedding ETMs into daily operations. A KSRTC official acknowledged the difficulties but stated that a workaround has been devised. "We cannot revert to the old system of issuing tickets. To ensure the ETMs remain operational, we've decided to install 24-volt charging points in 5,048 buses," the official said.


Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Bengaluru's public transport gets digital boost with ONDC integration for metro, bus ticketing
After the integration of Bengaluru metro and bus services with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) on Thursday, commuters in the IT capital can now book QR-code-based tickets for metro and bus rides through multiple mobile apps. The tickets can be bought on popular apps, such as Rapido, Namma Yatri, Tummoc, RedBus, EaseMyTrip, Highway Delite, OneTicket, and Yatri City Travel Guide, among others. Till now, metro tickets could be booked online only through the Namma Metro mobile app, Paytm, and WhatsApp chatbot. While launching the new services, Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge described the move as a 'significant leap toward inclusive and interoperable mobility solutions.' 'This initiative not only makes public transport more accessible but also promotes the use of digital platforms for daily commuting. Bengaluru is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. To achieve our vision of 70 per cent public transport share by 2030, we need a combination of robust infrastructure, digital integration, and open data,' he added. BMTC Managing Director Ramachandran R noted that the corporation is working towards adopting open-source data with real-time updates. 'On June 21, BMTC served over 46 lakh passengers in a single day. To manage this growing demand, we must embrace open, real-time data and develop commuter-friendly digital platforms,' he said. He added, 'We are working on introducing both closed-loop and open-loop cards for our services. Plans are underway to roll out Smart Shakti Cards in the coming year, which will be compatible with RuPay, Mastercard, and Visa – allowing all major credit and debit cards to be used on our Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs).' Ramachandran further stated, 'Additionally, we are looking to implement an Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) system integrated with an Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system. This is aimed at addressing the high operational costs and moving towards a conductor-less transit model within the city.' M Maheshwar Rao, Managing Director, BMRCL, called the integration with ONDC a critical step for simplifying multimodal journeys. 'With auto and cab services already available on ONDC, the addition of metro ticketing creates a more unified travel ecosystem. Our aim is to ensure that commuters can book their entire trip – from doorstep to destination – seamlessly using a single app,' Rao said. At the event, two mobility apps – Namma Yatri and Tummoc – also unveiled new features as part of the Enroute Challenge, an urban mobility innovation competition supported by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), WRI India, and Villgro. These apps now offer end-to-end trip planning across metro, bus, and auto-rickshaw services using open data provided by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). Through these apps, commuters can view live bus and metro schedules, receive trip recommendations, and book auto-rickshaws for first- and last-mile connectivity, all within a single interface. Both apps also provide real-time alerts and estimated trip costs.


Time of India
21-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
KSRTC's Davanagere division records uptick in digital payments
Davanagere: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation ( KSRTC ) achieved notable success in digital payments, collecting Rs 10 crore in eight months through its Davanagere division. This achievement follows KSRTC's intensified promotion of UPI payments since Nov 2024. The organisation aims to collect Rs 1 crore daily through digital means, targeting 50% of all transactions. Passengers embraced the QR code payment system for bus fares, despite initial technical difficulties. The digital payment implementation resolved issues related to small change, enhancing the travel experience and reducing conflicts between passengers and conductors. The Davanagere division also introduced UPI payments via smart electronic ticket machines (ETMs) in Nov. Travellers now complete transactions using applications like PhonePe and Google Pay. Digital payments are more prevalent on long-distance routes with reliable network coverage. Inter-district and interstate services show higher digital transaction rates when compared to urban and rural routes. City passengers display less inclination towards UPI payments for smaller fares. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sanitize & Smooth Clothes Fast with Philips Steamer Philips Garment Steamers Shop Now Undo Premium service users typically book tickets online in advance. From Nov 2024 to June 15, 2025, the division collected Rs 11 crore via UPI across its three depots: Davanagere Depot-1, Davanagere Depot-2, and Harihar Depot. Monthly collections increased steadily: November (Rs 29.2 lakh), December 2024 (Rs 1 crore), January 2025 (Rs 1.3 crore), February (Rs 1.5 crore), March (Rs 1.6 crore), April (Rs 1.8 crore), May (Rs 1.9 crore), and June (Rs 1.9 crore). The division manages 404 buses with 490 ETMs, including backup units. Occasional technical issues led to payment deductions without ticket issuance, causing disputes. The refund system improved, with reimbursements now processed within 48 hours, reduced from one week previously. Passengers are showing a preference for digital payments, and if a ticket is not printed, the amount is credited to their account within 24 hours. We solved some technical issues, and we are expecting more digital payments in our division, said Kiran Kumar Basapur, KSRTC divisional controller, Davanagere.