Shimla News
Himachal Pradesh Transport Department introduces mobile ticketing for bus conductors
The Himachal Pradesh Transport Department is going to revolutionize the ticketing process for bus passengers, under which conductors will be able to issue tickets directly from their mobile phones.
Shimla, August 25: The Himachal Pradesh Transport Department is going to revolutionize the ticketing process for bus passengers, under which conductors will be able to issue tickets directly from their mobile phones. The department has started working on a new scheme that aims to simplify and modernize the ticketing system, benefiting both government and private bus operators.
In this new system, a mobile device will be connected to a small, portable printer. After the conductor selects the desired station, the ticket will be generated and printed instantly. This compact printer can easily fit into a small bag, making it as convenient as existing e-ticketing methods.
The introduction of this technology will also benefit passengers, as it will allow them to pay their fares using card swipes and QR codes, providing a seamless and cashless transaction experience. The cost of implementing the system is estimated to be around ₹1,500 per bus, which is significantly less than the ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 required for conventional e-ticketing machines.
The transport department has already partnered with a private company, which has provided an initial presentation of the software. The software, which can be easily downloaded on mobile devices, will include details of all bus stations, distances and fare structures. The affordability and convenience of the system is expected to make it popular among private bus operators, who earlier found the cost of e-ticketing machines prohibitive.
If successful, the initiative could provide a cost-effective alternative for private bus operators while improving the travel experience of passengers across the state. However, it is not clear whether this mobile ticketing option will be extended to government Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses as well.
The proactive approach towards adopting technology by the Transport Department can bring significant changes in the public transport system in Himachal Pradesh, providing modern, efficient and user-friendly solutions for operators and passengers.
