The cashless ticketing initiative launched by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) in its Chamarajanagar division five months ago has witnessed a steady rise in usage, with Rs 3.2 crore collected via UPI payments since its launch in November 2024.
The move was aimed at encouraging digital transactions and reducing the dependency on cash dealings in government buses. Initially met with hesitation due to low awareness and technical glitches, the system has since gained popularity among commuters. The new method has proven beneficial in eliminating change-related disputes between passengers and conductors.
Covering areas such as Kollegal, Gundlupet, and Chamarajanagar, the division runs 429 buses, including inter-district and inter-state services to Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Buses are now fitted with modern Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) capable of accepting QR code-based UPI payments along with debit and credit cards.
Transaction figures highlight its growing acceptance — from Rs 7.9 lakh in November to over Rs 1 crore in March 2025. As part of the Intelligent Transport System, the division has procured 480 ETMs to streamline ticketing further.
Chamarajanagar divisional controller Ashok Kumar noted that this step eased travel for both conductors and passengers, many of whom had demanded a cashless option to avoid daily hassles. In cases of network or system errors, passengers can still opt to pay by cash.
Passenger Uma Mahadev from Kollegala shared that the facility offers great relief by removing the constant need to carry change.
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