The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) is taking significant steps to improve the travel experience for passengers. To address issues related to cash transactions and enhance convenience, TSRTC is introducing i-TIM (Intelligent Ticket Issuing Machines) for cashless payments. Additionally, the corporation plans to issue smart cards for women under the ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme to streamline the zero-fare ticket system.
TSRTC Introduces Smart Cards for Women
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| i-TIM Device Purpose | Enables cashless payments for bus tickets |
| Payment Methods Supported | UPI, Debit Cards, Credit Cards |
| Current Testing Locations | Bandlaguda and Dilsukhnagar routes |
| Planned City Bus Rollout | Next month |
| Planned Rural Bus Rollout | September |
| i-TIM Device Cost | ₹9,200 + GST |
| Smart Cards for Women | Will replace Aadhaar-based zero-fare tickets |
Introduction of i-TIM Devices
Why Are i-TIM Devices Needed?
Bus commuters in Telangana frequently face problems when conductors cannot provide exact change. While conductors usually note the owed change on the back of tickets, this process is often inconvenient and unreliable.
How i-TIM Devices Improve Convenience
To solve this, TSRTC is introducing i-TIM (Intelligent Ticket Issuing Machines) that allow passengers to make cashless payments via:
- UPI
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
These devices ensure passengers can pay the exact fare instantly, reducing cash handling issues for both conductors and commuters.
Deployment of i-TIM Devices
Testing Phase
- Currently, i-TIM devices are being tested on buses operating in the Bandlaguda and Dilsukhnagar routes.
Planned Rollout
- City Buses: The cashless payment system will be implemented across city buses starting next month.
- Rural Buses: Rural routes across Telangana will adopt this system by September.
Device Cost
Each i-TIM device is being procured at a cost of ₹9,200 plus GST.
Introduction of Smart Cards for Women
Background
With the introduction of the ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme, TSRTC has witnessed a significant increase in the number of women passengers. Currently, conductors issue zero-fare tickets to female passengers who present their Aadhaar cards.
New Smart Card System
To simplify this process, TSRTC will soon issue smart cards for women passengers. These cards can be swiped on the i-TIM machines to generate zero-fare tickets, making the system faster and more efficient.
Benefits of the New Systems
For Passengers
- No More Exact Change Issues: Cashless payments reduce the hassle of carrying loose change.
- Faster Ticketing Process: i-TIM devices speed up transactions, reducing delays.
- Convenience for Women Passengers: Smart cards offer a simple swipe-and-go system for zero-fare travel.
For TSRTC
- Improved Transaction Accuracy: Cashless payments minimize calculation errors.
- Enhanced Efficiency: i-TIM devices streamline the ticketing process, reducing conductor workload.
FAQs
1. What are i-TIM devices?
i-TIM stands for Intelligent Ticket Issuing Machine. These devices enable passengers to make cashless payments via UPI, Debit Cards, or Credit Cards for bus tickets.
2. Where are i-TIM devices currently being tested?
They are currently being tested on routes in Bandlaguda and Dilsukhnagar.
3. When will the i-TIM system be available in city and rural buses?
The system will be introduced in city buses next month and in rural buses by September.
4. How much does each i-TIM device cost?
Each device is being purchased for ₹9,200 plus GST.
5. What is the new smart card system for women passengers?
TSRTC will introduce smart cards for women under the ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme. These cards will allow female passengers to swipe for zero-fare tickets, replacing the Aadhaar-based system.
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