Cards, UPI, QR code facility started for travel in ST buses

Now passengers travelling in Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses can use debit cards, credit cards and UPI, QR code facility to buy tickets.

MSRTC vice-chairman and managing director Shekhar Channe on Wednesday issued 5,000 Android-based ticketing machines in the state. The MSRTC has tied up with EbixCash Mobility Software Limited and SBI for the project.

“In the first phase, these machines have been issued to Akola, Yavatmal, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Bhandara and Latur divisions. Getting change was a big problem for the passengers. Now cards can be swiped to procure tickets,” Channe said.

In another development, MSRTC has also extended the ‘Smart Card’ distribution scheme by another two months. Under the scheme, the corporation is providing discounts from 25% to 100% on ticket fares to 29 categories of beneficiaries.

The ‘Smart Card’ is linked to the Aadhaar card. Every ST depot in the state is issuing Smart Card to senior citizens and other beneficiaries. The scheme was to end on August 31. However, considering the festival season, the scheme has been extended till October 31, 2022.