Bengaluru: Buses stopping on roadsides have become more frequent, but the reason is not traffic or route issues—it is the new QR code ticketing system that is slowing down BMTC operations. The pilot, launched a few weeks ago, requires conductors to enter area details and generate a QR code on electronic ticketing machines for payment, leading to longer wait times for commuters, especially during rush hours.
Commuters Voice Frustration
Dhurv NK, who travels from Mysuru Road to AGS Layout, said: “The machine-based system sometimes slows things down, especially when many passengers are boarding at busy stops. I have also noticed buses stopping before major stages so conductors can complete ticketing. Still, it is a good initiative and a step in the right direction. Whether it is through QR stickers or directly on the ticketing machine does not matter much to me, but the process should be quick and convenient. Earlier, scanning the QR sticker and showing the screenshot felt faster, especially during rush hours.”
Amogh A, a 23-year-old regular BMTC commuter, said: “The issue is more visible on low-frequency routes like the V37 from Srinagar to Shivajinagar, where buses are packed in the evenings. Earlier, commuters could scan the QR code in advance and quickly get tickets, but now conductors have to wait for each payment confirmation before issuing the next ticket, causing delays and longer stops. While the system helps reduce fake transactions, the process is time-consuming and may improve once National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) support is introduced.”
NV Raju, a resident of Kodigehalli, said: “As a senior citizen who frequently travels in BMTC buses, I find QR code payments difficult while the bus is on the move. It takes time to know the fare, scan and complete payment, and often conductors are in a hurry and unable to assist or wait. Hope conductors are sensitised to senior citizens and passengers who may need a little more time with digital payments.”
Conductors Face Challenges
Conductors say the QR code has to be generated on the machine each time, causing delays and increasing stoppage time at bus stands. A conductor with 10 years of experience said: “We were given the new systems last week, and already they are causing inconvenience. I was on duty on the Kanakapura Road and NICE Road services, where issuing tickets through individual QR codes is becoming difficult. Earlier, if four or five people were travelling to the same place, we could issue tickets together in one transaction, but now that is not possible. It is still the holiday season and not many students are using the service, but once colleges reopen, it will surely create chaos.”
Another conductor, who has been in service for five years, said: “The new feature has both perks and drawbacks. But the positive aspect is transparency in payments. We have seen many cases where people used fake or edited screenshots without actually paying. In such cases, the difference would be deducted from our salary. With this system, such situations cannot happen. We also have to be quick in printing tickets as there are multiple checkpoints, including Shantinagar, Banashankari, and Jayanagar. However, with this, it is no longer entirely dependent on us.”
Officials Remain Optimistic
However, officials said the issues were part of the initial transition phase and would stabilise as staff become familiar with the upgraded system.
