Latest news with #ETMs
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Karnataka's Shakti scheme completes two years
The Shakti scheme, Karnataka's free bus travel initiative for women, marked its second anniversary on June 11 with over 474 crore women passengers having availed the benefit across the State. Launched on June 11, 2023, by the Congress government, the scheme was one of the five major pre-poll guarantees. The scheme allows women with Karnataka domicile to travel for free in non-premium government buses operated by the four State-run transport corporations-KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC. According to data shared by the transport department, between June 11, 2023, and June 10, 2025, the four c!orporations together recorded a total of 801.54 crore passenger journeys. Of these, 474.82 crore were women passengers travelling under the Shakti scheme. The largest number of women beneficiaries were recorded in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) with over 150.69 crore female passengers. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) followed with 144.23 crore, while North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) reported 111.10 crore and 68.78 crore, respectively. The total notional ticket value for the free rides availed by women over the two years stands at ₹11,994.37 crore, which the State Government reimburses to the corporations. Under the scheme, women can board ordinary and express services within Karnataka by showing valid ID proof issued by the State Government or any Central Government document that confirms domicile. Premium services such as Airavat, Rajahamsa and Vajra are excluded. Even though the Shakti Scheme has completed two years, the smart cards meant for beneficiaries are yet to be distributed. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that the plan to issue smart cards is in place, but the rollout is delayed due to the lack of electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) in all buses, making implementation unfeasible. Currently, women passengers avail free travel by presenting a valid identity card issued by the Central or State government to obtain a 'zero ticket'.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
KSRTC takes lead while private buses lag in adopting UPI payments
While the KSRTC in Mangaluru Division has enabled UPI-based ticket fare payment in its buses through handheld electronic devices, the private buses have lagged though the devices are in place in private buses for the last three years. KSRTC Mangaluru Divisional Controller Rajesh Shetty told The Hindu that the KSRTC has introduced UPI-based payments in all its buses, including those operating on the 533 routes under Mangaluru division, six months ago. Of the 533 routes covered, 53 routes pertain to Mangaluru city. Using the handheld device, the bus conductor types the origin and destination of the commuter, which leads to the generation of a dynamic QR code. The commuter scans and makes the payment using different payment apps. On completion of the payment to the account of KSRTC Mangaluru Depot, the device generates the ticket. 'Our conductors are quite relieved with the QR-based payment system as there is no need to return the change (cash) to travellers'Rajesh ShettyKSRTC Mangaluru Divisional Controller 'Our conductors are quite relieved with the QR-based payment system as there is no need to return the change (cash) to travellers,' Mr. Shetty said. Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners' Association tied up with Mumbai-based bus transport technology company, 'Chalo', for issuing e-tickets and tracking the movement of buses. As part of it, 'Chalo' issued electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) to 490 private buses, including 300 city buses, operating from Mangaluru three years ago. A 'Chalo' executive who overlooks operations of ETMs said that of the 490 buses, only around 60 buses are making use of the ETMs. All the buses on Route No. 27 from State Bank of India to Mangaladevi Temple, buses to Kuppepadavu and a few other routes are making use of ETMs. Sudheendra, a resident of Jeppu, said only a few conductors on Route No. 27 buses accept payment through UPI and on some routes, the conductors take payment on their mobile phones instead of the ETMs. Mangaluru Regional Transport Officer Shridhar Mallad said that since a month, random checks are being done on the city routes and cases are being registered if tickets are not issued. 'We want buses to issue tickets—using ETMs or any other mode is left to the operators.' President of Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners' Association Aziz Parthippady said bus operators will be convinced to introduce UPI-based payment in all buses.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Soon BMTC to launch Smart ETMs for seamless digital ticketing experience for commuters
: In a step towards digitising public transport and enhancing commuter convenience, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is finally set to introduce Smart Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) that support UPI and National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) payments. The move comes in response to increasing public demand for more accessible and contactless payment methods in city buses. BMTC floated a tender recently for these Android-based handheld devices, which will be used by conductors to issue tickets and process digital payments in real time. The new ETMs are expected to improve the existing system, which currently relies on static UPI QR codes pasted inside buses — a method that many commuters find frustrating and outdated. A BMTC official explained, 'The Smart ETM is an Android-based device that can capture ticketing information, print tickets instantly, and transfer real-time data to the central fare collection system using 5G or wi-fi. It will support both QR code scanning and for UPI and NCMC card-based payments. The device also features a high-resolution touch display and an in-built thermal printer for smooth operation.' Fare collection system The selected technology provider will not only supply the Smart ETMs but also develop and maintain a comprehensive fare collection system. 'This includes a central web-based software for ticketing, dashboards for real-time monitoring, integration with the existing Automatic Vehicle Location System (AVLS), and adherence to strict performance and security standards,' official added. This development builds on BMTC's earlier effort in January 2024, when the corporation introduced static UPI QR codes in nearly 75% of its fleet after requests from commuters. Since then, digital payments have picked up substantially, with UPI transactions now contributing around 20% of BMTC's daily ticket revenue — an estimated ₹60 lakh each day, a BMTC official said earlier. However, passengers say the current method still poses challenges. 'In a packed bus, locating the QR code is like playing hide and seek. Sometimes the code is stuck near the front door, sometimes near the exit, and during peak hours, there's simply no way to reach it without disturbing others. You have to stretch your hand, hold your phone steady, and then complete the payment. It's chaotic. The new smart ETMs sound like a huge relief,' said Ajay Kumar, who travels daily from Banashankari to Shivajinagar. Demand by commuters Commuters have also been urging BMTC to implement NCMC functionality, especially since BMRCL has already introduced NCMC. 'This is something we've been waiting for. I mostly use UPI for everything, but the current QR system in buses is inconvenient. I once had to ask a stranger to shift so I could scan the code pasted above the window. The conductor still insisted I show the payment screen. The process is far from seamless. If BMTC can implement Smart ETMs like KSRTC has, it will change the experience entirely,' said Sudha Krishnan, a daily commuter from Bannerghatta Road to Majestic. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has already rolled out similar initiatives for digital payments. Since November 2024, it has adopted cashless ticketing across its fleet of 8,800 buses, supported by more than 10,000 smart ETMs.
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Digital makeover: KSRTC rolls out travel card; pax information system soon
KOCHI: The KSRTC is all set for a major digital revamp, promising travellers an enhanced user experience. The digitalisation drive has started with the reintroduction of the travel card, and the carrier will embrace more initiatives like the Passenger Information System (PIS) in the coming months. 'The KSRTC is planning a series of groundbreaking initiatives utilising cutting-edge technology that will make travel more seamless, cashless and paperless. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will announce the corporation's digitalisation drive on May 20,' Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar told TNIE . To start with, the KSRTC, in a tie-up with the Chalo App, is rolling out one lakh rechargeable travel cards, which are being distributed in Thiruvananthapuraam and Kollam districts. 'We have started the sale of travel cards and commuters can use them in the buses. The initiative is being implemented in the fleet in the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam depots, where smart ETMs have already been distributed. The card will be introduced across the state in a phased manner, in line with the distribution of more modern ticketing machines,' Ganesh Kumar said. Officials said the expansion would start from May end. The KSRTC has already distributed new Android-based Smart Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs), equipped with touchscreens, wireless communication and faster processing systems, in the two districts. 'Travel card will do away with the problem of 'change shortage', making things easy for both commuters and crew. Fares will be debited just by swiping the card in the ETMs, using Radio Frequency Identification Device technology. The ETMs are being supplied to more depots like Vaikom and the training of personnel is on,' said a senior KSRTC official. A commuter can purchase the travel card for Rs 100. Recharge amounts range from Rs 50 to Rs 2,000. The cards are transferable, allowing beneficiaries to hand them over to relatives and friends. If the cards develop technical issues, the passengers should submit applications with the unit concerned and a new one will be issued in two days. The ETMs allow users to check their balance by entering the card number or scanning a QR code. 'The ETMs can also be used to recharge the travel cards,' the official said. The KSRTC is also close to implementing the Passenger Information System (PIS), which will provide real-time information on the running status of buses, bus schedules, delays and other relevant details that would help them plan their journey. 'Passengers can download a dedicated app that lets them know the schedules and track buses in real time. We will also set up PIS screens at all major bus stations. All processes are over and the PIS is ready for implementation. It will be launched after the CM makes the announcement next month,' the official said.
