TGSRTC plans to launch smart cards for bus travel

Telangana State Road Transport Corporation is set to roll out smart cards for bus passes, starting with students and later extending to women under the Mahalakshmi scheme. The move aims to simplify renewals, enable digital recharges, and streamline daily travel.

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) is all set to modernise its ticketing and pass system by introducing smart cards for bus travel.

The corporation has already started the groundwork to roll out the facility in a phased manner, starting with student bus passes and later extending it to the beneficiaries of the ‘Mahalakshmi’ free bus travel scheme for women.

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As per available information, the TGSRTC authorities intend to make the process of availing and renewing bus passes more convenient which would also enable the corporation to adapt to the latest digital technology.

Currently, there are over 5 lakh student bus passes in circulation across the State, and students until now are required to visit designated counters for renewals. If the proposed smart card system comes into use, smart cards could be recharged digitally.

It is learnt that the TGSRTC officials are also examining the smart card models implemented in public transport system in the neighbouring Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. These states have already introduced the facility in metropolitan cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Lucknow.

According to sources, the pan India study could identify best practices suitable for the commuters in Telangana. The scheme is anticipated to be rolled out in phases over the coming months.

At present, to avail ‘Zero Ticket’ under the Mahalakshmi scheme, women need to show their Aadhaar cards. With the introduction of smart cards, this verification step will no longer be necessary, making the process smoother for lakhs of women passengers who use RTC buses on a daily basis.

TGSRTC is expected to finalize the design and technical features of the smart cards after completing its study of other states’ models.