BMTC to issue smart cards to students

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation will soon issue smart cards to students at concession rates. The new smart cards will replace the existing pre-printed cards. The new initiative will ease the process of availing a student concession card and can be done online or through their schools or colleges.

Under the existing system, students have to submit documents, such as fee receipt, Aadhaar card, college ID and cast certificate along with the prescribed fee. The students also need to visit the nearest bus station and wait in long queues to get their concession passes.

The students can now apply for smart cards at schools and colleges. Students till class seven have to apply for cards by just informing the school along with a processing fee of Rs 200. Students in high school have to pay the amount to the postman who delivers the smart card. 

College students need only approach the college, collect the application form, pay the amount and it will delivered at their college.

A top BMTC official told Deccan Chronicle that the use of smart cards will be much easier as the cards are initially credited with the stipulated amount and travel cost is deducted when the card is swiped. It will also help BMTC to service commuters better, as it can get first-hand information on travel pattern. “In the future, smart cards will be made available to all,” he said.