KSRTC to try out smartcards for fleet

Kochi: Taking the ongoing reforms forward, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation is all set to introduce rechargeable smart cards for its entire fleet by October while the Vehicle Tracking System will be implemented by September 30.

“The multi-purpose cards will do away with the problem  of ‘change shortage’ besides making it easy for commuters and the crew. Fares will be debited from the smart cards just by swiping in the electronic-ticketing machines using  the Radio Frequency Identification Device technology. ETMs have been supplied to all depots. We aim to get the model working by October 30,” said  Mr Antony Chacko, Managing Director.

The tender details for the same are being finalised and the tenders will be invited by the week- end, he said.

“Initially,  the multi-purpose cards could be used only for travelling purpose but later, say after three years, more services would be included. It would be just like debit cards with the commuters being able to buy groceries and  pay bills among others,” the official said.

Starting from September 30, commuters can track the running status of their buses live with the implementation of the Vehicle Tracking System.

For this,  the Global Positioning System  has  already been set up in 200-odd superfast services.

“Big screens will be displayed at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Calicut depots informing the running status of superclass buses, just like that of an airport. The commuters can also avail of the mobile alert facility. For instance, a resident of Kochi city will get alert on the  mobile  when the bus going to Palakkad from Thiruvananthapuram reaches Aroor. He needs to start to the bus station only after getting the alert,” Mr Chacko said.