Soon, paperless 'smart card' passes for BMTC travelers

BMTC is planning to do away with paper tickets as the long-time demand for smart cards is finally gaining pace. 

BMTC director (Information Technology), Tanusree Deb Barma told Economic Times a 'closed loop smart card' with "variety of passes" will be rolled out in next three to six months. The new entrants include kilometre-based time-based and trip-based passes.

An option for online recharge will also be introduced along with the new changes. However, it is not clear that the demand of passengers for an integrated card which can be used in all public transport facilities in the city will be met.

A section of Bengalureans are sceptical about the project as the assurance for similar changes have been made by BMTC earlier also. 

We have heard enough of these smartcards / closed loop / open loop / paper less for years now..

Would be happy if there is clear timeline for its implementation.. otherwise it is just another jumla of #BMTC..

— Namma Bengaluroo (@NammaBengaluroo) December 27, 2018

You are right but let’s not be cynical. @BMTC_BENGALURU is the Bahubali of Bengaluru. They run a good operation with very few buses . They can certainly make it much better. The new chairman is in office -let’s see

— Srinivas Alavilli (@srinualavilli) December 27, 2018

#hongkong has a smart card #octopuscard that’s works across all their modes of transport #minibuses #buses #mTR #lightrail #ferries and can also be used for purchases in supermarkets+restaurants#Hk introduced octopus card in 1997 and we are now in 2019 #bmtc still flying kites😡

— Namma Bengaluroo (@NammaBengaluroo) December 27, 2018