No more searching for coins to pay bus tickets; KSRTC online ticket scheme to begin in April

KOCHI: There will be no more need for passengers to search pockets for rupee coins to pay for bus tickets. The online ticketing system will come into place in April. In some places in Thiruvananthapuram, the system is being rolled out on an experimental basis. For this, the Android ticket machine with a QR code system will be made available in collaboration with the private company.

Scan the QR code and pay for the ticket. A debit card facility will also be available. In hilly areas with poor internet access, tickets can be purchased offline and using a QR code.

To know the KSRTC bus arrival time, and live running status, use the application developed by Chalo Mobility Pvt Ltd company based in Mumbai. This company will provide the ticket machines. The existing ticketing system will also continue.

KSRTC does not need to raise money to buy Android ticket machines. Necessary machines will be provided by Chalo Mobility Company. For every ticket sold, the company will take 13 paise. The company will also provide SIM cards, paper rolls, computers, printers and servers to the depots.

A ticket booking facility will also be provided through the Chalo app. Similar to a train ticket, if you enter the boarding point and alighting point, the ticket price will be displayed. The bus has a GPS so the control room at the KSRTC headquarters can monitor whether the bus is running late or not.