Bangalore: In a bid to enhance passenger convenience and address cash-related issues, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is set to roll out UPI-based payments across all its buses. This transformative initiative is currently being trialed by the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) as a pilot project, aiming to familiarize passengers with the ease of UPI payments.
The move comes as a solution to the challenges faced by passengers who struggle with change and hard cash payments on public buses. By implementing UPI payments, KSRTC seeks to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience for travelers.
The practical implementation of UPI payments within NWKRTC commenced on Fridays, allowing passengers to make payments by simply scanning QR codes. Previously, attempts to introduce digital payment services in the public transportation sector were hindered by issues such as unreliable internet connectivity and technical glitches. However, this pilot project aims to overcome these challenges effectively.
Notably, there have been reports of passengers being dropped off in the middle of their journey due to non-payment of fares in hard cash. While petty vendors and roadside food stalls have been offering payment options like PhonePe and Google Pay for some time, this convenience was not available on government buses until now. NWKRTC has taken the lead in implementing this practical and passenger-friendly initiative.
Mr. Anbu Kumar of KSRTC commented on the development, stating, “We are actively exploring UPI payment options. NWKRTC has already pioneered UPI payments based on practical considerations. In the near future, we plan to extend UPI payments to all KSRTC buses, further enhancing the ease of travel for our passengers.”
This significant step towards embracing digital payments in public transportation is expected to streamline the passenger experience and reduce cash-related hassles, ensuring a more convenient and efficient journey for all KSRTC travelers.
