The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is planning to allow daily commuters to purchase QR-based digital tickets even before reaching the bus stop, as part of its efforts to expand contactless and app-based ticketing.
How the System Will Work
Under the proposed system, passengers can book mobile QR tickets in advance through a digital platform before boarding BMTC buses. This initiative aims to improve convenience for regular commuters. Once onboard, passengers will display the QR ticket to the conductor, who will validate it using Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs).
Plans for Smart Cards and Advanced ETMs
Chief Traffic Manager (Operations) GT Prabhakar Reddy stated that BMTC is also planning to introduce a closed-loop smart card system similar to Namma Metro's smartcard network. The corporation is working on multiple digital fare collection options to make bus travel more seamless. As part of the transition, BMTC plans to deploy 11,000 advanced ETMs, with around 4,000 already distributed to conductors, phasing out older devices.
Dynamic QR Codes to Prevent Revenue Leakage
New ETMs generate dynamic QR codes for ticket issuance, replacing the existing static QR code-based payment system. Officials noted that over 51% of ticket transactions were via static QR codes, but this system had vulnerabilities. Instances of conductors misusing static QR codes by displaying personal UPI codes and diverting payments were detected. BMTC found fraudulent practices involving 10 conductors, with misappropriated amounts ranging from a few thousand rupees to over Rs 50,000. All staff involved have been suspended and are facing departmental inquiries. Additionally, passengers used fraudulent payment apps to generate fake transaction confirmations. Dynamic QR codes are expected to end these illegal practices.
Conductor Concerns and Transition Issues
Some conductors have raised concerns about the new ETMs, stating that generating dynamic QR-based tickets is time-consuming during peak hours. This delay forces them to halt buses briefly to ensure all passengers have valid tickets and avoid penalties during inspections. Officials responded that these issues are part of the initial transition phase and will stabilize as staff become familiar with the system. Field inspections have shown that conductors can generate QR tickets within seconds, though network connectivity issues have been reported in some locations.
NCMC Cards to Be Accepted from June
BMTC officials announced that from June, commuters using Namma Metro and city buses will be able to use National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) on BMTC buses. In 2023, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited introduced NCMC cards in Namma Metro, with adoption gradually increasing. BMTC had not enabled NCMC transactions until now. Operational modalities are being finalized to integrate NCMC, an open-loop card system for multiple payment and mobility purposes. The state government also plans to issue Shakti Scheme smartcards for beneficiaries of free bus travel. The new ETMs will support these smartcards.
