Bengaluru AC Volvo Buses to go cashless from March
- After demonetisation, a large section of the commuters requested BMTC to introduce smart card system.
- Through these Axis Bank BMTC Smart Cards travellers can just tap the card on ticketing machines and pay their fare.
FollowNow people in Bengaluru, get ready to travel cashless in BMTC AC buses from March 2017. BMTC are going to introduce a smart card in AC Volvo buses on 335-E route, which is from Kempegowda Bus Station to Kadugodi. BMTC is hopeful that they will be able to introduce this cashless facility in all the routes by April 2017.
A counter which will be selling these first of its kind smart cards will be set up at the Kempegowda Bus Station soon.
“This is the first time a state-run transport corporation in the country is launching a cashless facility. We have recently started experimenting with the smart card facility in buses ferrying BMTC staffers,” a BMTC official was quoted as saying by the New India Express.
In 2016, Axis Bank joined hands with BMTC to come up with a smart card and it turned out to be quite a hit among the regular commuters. Through these Axis Bank BMTC Smart Cards travellers can just tap the card on ticketing machines and pay their fare.
“Most BMTC conductors are reluctant to give change if the amount is less than ₹ 5. It’s also difficult to pay them in coins every time. The proposed BMTC smart card will ensure cashless travel,” a regular commuter of BMTC AC Volvo buses said.
These new smart cards will also allow the travellers to shop at malls and other shops. They will be able to recharge the card from BMTC Bus Depots, BengaluruOne, Axis Bank ATMs and online as well.
“BMTC will also be able to track the passenger revenue using the smart card. But this card cannot be used in Metro. We are in talks with BMRCL to come up with a common mobility card by next year,” the official added.
