Even by global standards, these figures are simply mind-boggling: A whopping 2.2 million electronic tickets issued on a daily basis in the buses plied by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

This, coupled with the usage of bio-fuel and a web-based ticket reservation system, has enabled the corporation to outbeat outstanding government and private competitors to clinch the Entrepreneurial Management Processes International (EMPI)–Indian Express Award for 2006, announced two days ago.

Today, corporations from neighbouring States are making a beeline to Karnataka for guidance. The transparent e-ticketing process was made possible thanks to the 7,000 Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) in the possession of its conductors.

Elaborating on it, KSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, A P Joshi, told Deccan Herald, “The operation of the ETM is so simple. All that a conductor has to do after each workday is to connect the ETM using a wire to a server provided in each of the 60 depots in the State. The day’s collections to be remitted at the depot are highlighted instantly.”

The ETM, introduced over eight months ago, has revolutionised the work-life of conductors, he added. Gone are the days when more than an hour was spent to tally the amount collected with the tickets issued.

One ticket with all details is issued instead of the numerous tickets issued earlier—a combination ticket, bridge fare ticket, Accident Relief Fund ticket and luggage ticket. The need to maintain a trip-sheet too is done away with.

This has profited KSRTC enormously, explains Seshadri, Chief Systems Manager, who played a key role in the success of the venture. “The cost incurred due to multiple tickets brought the issuing cost to 5.2 paise per person. It has now come down to 2.2 paise. The savings of 3 paise per passenger for over two million passengers has ensured a savings of Rs 60,000 per day in stationery alone.”

This has contributed towards increasing the revenue of the corporation by 3–4 per cent, he added.

While e-ticketing is not novel, the volume handled by KSRTC daily is unparalleled worldwide, he added.

Another unique aspect is the web-based reservation system. One who plans to fly to Bangalore from say, London, can book a bus ticket to Shimoga or any other place using the net. “Around 7–8 per cent of the intra-city reservation done today is by overseas booking done online,” the MD said.

Eco-friendly fuel

Altogether five depots of  the corporation use diesel mixed with ethanol, a renewable fuel. They are in the ratio of 91.8 per cent diesel, 7.7 per cent ethanol and 0.5 per cent solubiliser. “Fifteen more depots will use ethanol by July 2008,” the MD added. Another notable eco-friendly measure is the usage of vegetable oil with diesel at the Dodaballapur depot. “Apart from less emission of Carbon-dioxide and sulphur, the potential it has to save oil when introduced on a massive scale is enormous,” he said.

Winning awards is nothing new to this transport corporation. Among the numerous jewels that adorn its crown are the IRTE Prince Michael International Road Safety Award 2002, Golden Peacock Eco Innovation award 2004 and Parisara Award 2001.

So what does this latest acquisition mean? Director (Security & Vigilance), M P Saleem said, “It definitely reinforces our commitment to innovation.”

Former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam will present the award at a function in New Delhi on December 22.