Latest news with #ETMs
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- 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
6 days ago
- 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.
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- 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.
