KSRTC’s cashless payment system sees ₹5.5 crore collection in first month

KSRTC introduces cashless payments with new electronic ticketing machines in buses
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) introduction of cashless payment systems across its bus services has received a good response from passengers. Within the first month of implementing digital ticketing, KSRTC collected over ₹5.5 crore through Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions.

In response to long-standing passenger demands, the KSRTC has adopted cashless payment systems across its bus services. The initiative, introduced on November 6, equipped KSRTC buses with advanced Electronic Ticketing Machines capable of accepting UPI payments as well as debit and credit cards.

According to data accessed by The Hindu, between November 6 and November 30, the corporation collected ₹3.63 crore. In the first five days of December, daily collections ranged from ₹34 lakh to ₹42 lakh, with over 30,000 transactions recorded on December 3 alone.

“This initiative is to enhance passenger convenience by promoting digital payments and reducing cash handling in KSRTC buses. The corporation’s successful transition to digital ticketing by collecting ₹5.5 crores in a month, highlights its adaptability and the public’s readiness for cashless solutions,” Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy told The Hindu.

Resolving frequent disputes 

KSRTC has stated that the introduction of UPI payment options aims to streamline daily commutes by eliminating the need for cash and resolving frequent disputes over exact change between passengers and conductors. To enable cashless transactions, KSRTC has equipped its buses with advanced Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs). Over 10,000 smart ETMs are already operational across KSRTC’s fleet of 8,800 buses, with plans for further expansion following conductor training.

The ETMs will also support the validation of National Common Mobility Cards and various KSRTC-issued bus passes, with this functionality expected to be introduced within a month.

Source: KSRTC

Welcome initiative

Meanwhile, passengers who had been waiting for digital payment options in KSRTC buses have welcomed the initiative, calling it a much-needed step. Many noted that they have already transitioned to cashless transactions, particularly through UPI payments. “I travel daily from Mandya to Bengaluru for work, and the UPI payment system has been a game-changer for me,” said Shankar R., a software professional.

“Earlier, I would often struggle to find exact change, which sometimes caused unnecessary delays and arguments with the conductor. Now, I simply scan the QR code and pay instantly. It’s fast, hassle-free, and ensures I don’t have to carry extra cash or worry about change,” he added.

Preethi N. Kumar, a frequent commuter between Madikeri and Bengaluru said that the cashless system has added an extra layer of convenience. “Recently, I took a KSRTC Airavat bus and was delighted to learn that cashless transactions had been introduced. I had been waiting for this feature for a long time, especially since most of us have transitioned to cashless payments over the past two to three years, and KSRTC was one of the few services that didn’t offer it. This system is particularly helpful when travelling late or when I forget to withdraw cash,” she said.

The ETMs have been rolled out in collaboration with EbixCash Ltd., which has been contracted to implement an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) for KSRTC. This five-year contract involves designing, installing, maintaining, and operating the ITMS, including cashless ticketing and integrated digital payment solutions.