Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has introduced WhatsApp-based bus ticket booking as a Dasara gift for passengers, allowing them to reserve tickets without standing in queues at bus counters.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar launched the upgraded KSRTC Avatar 2.0 mobile application and the new WhatsApp ticketing service at a programme held at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Thursday.
The government has also launched the One Karnataka Mobility App, bringing the services of the state’s four road transport corporations onto a single digital platform.
One app for four transport corporations
The One Karnataka Mobility App has been designed to provide passengers with access to services offered by Karnataka’s four road transport corporations through a common platform.
The app will have a secure user-access system through which passengers can view details of their previous ticket bookings and manage related transactions.
One of the key features is a unified complaint-management system. Passengers will be able to register complaints concerning all four road transport corporations through the same application.
The facility will also allow users to check the status of complaints, submit appeals where required and track the progress of grievance resolution.
The move is aimed at making public transport services more convenient and digitally accessible to passengers across Karnataka.
WhatsApp ticket booking for three corporations
Under the new WhatsApp ticketing facility, passengers can book tickets for buses operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).
Passengers can initiate the booking process by sending a message to +91 6364940880 on WhatsApp.
An interactive system will guide users through the ticket-booking process step by step. This is expected to make the process easier for passengers who may not want to download or use a separate booking application.
The WhatsApp service is also designed to provide a convenient option for passengers who are accustomed to making transactions through the messaging platform.
Tickets can also be cancelled through WhatsApp
The facility does not end with ticket booking. Passengers can also cancel tickets through the same WhatsApp number.
For cancellation, users need to select the ‘Ticket Cancellation’ option available through the interactive system.
They will then be required to enter their PNR number, mobile number and transaction password received during the booking process.
The process allows passengers to manage their bookings through the same channel instead of having to visit a booking counter or use a separate cancellation mechanism.
Digital monthly passes to be introduced
The state government is also planning to introduce a digital monthly pass facility in phases.
Once implemented, passengers will be able to book, receive and manage their bus passes online. The system will also include QR code-based digital verification.
The QR-based verification system is expected to simplify the process of checking digital passes and reduce dependence on physical documents.
The phased introduction of digital monthly passes will further expand the range of transport services available to passengers through digital platforms.
Focus on integrated public transport services
The launch of the One Karnataka Mobility App and WhatsApp ticketing facility marks an effort by the state government to integrate bus-related services and provide passengers with multiple digital options.
Instead of depending solely on physical counters or separate systems operated by individual transport corporations, passengers will gradually be able to access booking, complaint registration, ticket management and pass-related services through digital platforms.
The WhatsApp facility is particularly significant for passengers seeking a quick way to book or cancel tickets, as the process can be initiated directly through a messaging application.
With the festive season approaching, the government has positioned the new facilities as a Dasara gift aimed at improving convenience for bus passengers across Karnataka.