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A successful pilot test of dynamic QR code payments has also paved the way for a full rollout, with the feature set to be added to all smart ETMs by the end of the month.
The new system promises a smoother and more efficient travel experience. (News18 Malayalam)
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is making bus travel more convenient with the introduction of cashless payment systems across its entire fleet, as per The Hindu.
In response to passengers’ long-standing requests, KSRTC is now offering Unified Payments Interface (UPI) options, eliminating the hassle of cash and exact change disputes that often arise between passengers and conductors.
With over 10,000 smart Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) now installed across KSRTC’s 8,800 buses, passengers can pay their fares seamlessly using UPI, debit, or credit cards. The new system is expected to reduce disputes between passengers and conductors over small change, making journeys more efficient and stress-free.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy highlighted the benefits, saying, “This move tackles the issue of exact change, providing convenience for both passengers and conductors. Payments can now be made effortlessly via UPI or cards,” as quoted by The Hindu.
In addition, the new ETMs will support National Common Mobility Cards and all KSRTC-issued bus passes, with this feature set to roll out within a month.
KSRTC Managing Director V. Anbu Kumar explained the advancements, saying, “We’re upgrading to Android-based smart ETMs with touchscreens, wireless connectivity, and faster processing. This replaces outdated systems we’ve used for 20 years.”
The service has already tested a dynamic QR payment system, which will be integrated into all smart ETMs by the end of the month. KSRTC’s digital payment solution makes it one of the first transport corporations in Karnataka — and one of the few in India — to adopt such technology.
The rollout of this modern system is being carried out in partnership with EbixCash Ltd., which is responsible for implementing an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) for KSRTC.
This collaboration will see the deployment of an additional 15,000 devices over the next five years, as KSRTC moves towards fully automated fare collection.
