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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which currently relies on static UPI QR codes pasted inside buses — a method that many commuters find frustrating and outdated.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.