HRTC to launch mobile ticketing for buses, enhancing passenger convenience

The Himachal Pradesh Transport Department is gearing up to revolutionize the bus ticketing process with a new initiative that will enable conductors to issue tickets directly through their mobile phones. This innovative scheme is designed to simplify and modernize ticketing, benefiting both government and private bus operators.

Under this new system, conductors will use a mobile device connected to a small, portable printer. After selecting the passenger’s destination, the ticket will be generated and printed instantly. The compact printer is small enough to fit into a bag, making it as convenient as existing e-ticketing methods.

Passengers will also benefit from this technological upgrade, as it allows for cashless payments through card swipes and QR codes, making transactions quick and easy. The implementation cost is estimated at around ₹1,500 per bus, significantly lower than the ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 required for traditional e-ticketing machines.

The Transport Department has already collaborated with a private company that has demonstrated the software, which can be easily downloaded onto mobile devices. This software will provide details on all bus stations, routes, distances, and fares. The system’s affordability and convenience are expected to make it popular among private bus operators, who have found traditional e-ticketing machines cost-prohibitive.

If the initiative proves successful, it could offer a cost-effective solution for private bus operators while improving the travel experience for passengers across the state. However, it remains unclear if the mobile ticketing option will be extended to government-operated Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses.

By embracing this technology, the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department is poised to bring significant improvements to the public transportation system, offering a modern, efficient, and user-friendly solution for both operators and passengers.