Thiruvananthapuram: KSRTC’s move to introduce smart cards to tide over the cash crisis caused by demonetisation is in the final stages of implementation. Sources said that the plan was to introduce pre-paid cards by next week if possible. Transport Minister A K Saseendran told Deccan Chronicle that the introduction of the card would be finalised once KSRTC MD M. G.Rajamanikyam who is out of station, returned. However, the first priority of the corporation was to ensure the payment of salaries and pensions, Mr Saseendran said.
Sources said that the KSRTC plan was to bring out the card with a validity of one month that can be topped up and used again. In the first phase, pre-paid cards of Rs 1000, Rs 1500 and Rs 3000 and Rs 5,000 from which the ticket fare is debited by the Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) system will be introduced. Aimed at enabling currency-less transaction, KSRTC would provide electronic-ticketing machines (ETMs) in all buses. The bronze card worth Rs 1,000 can be used for travel via ordinary and limited stop ordinary services within a district.
Silver card worth Rs 1,500, can be used to travel anywhere in limited stop ordinary and ordinary services. The gold card worth Rs 3,000 for long-distance travellers, can be used for travel anywhere in fast and super-fast buses. The premium card of Rs 5,000 can be used in all buses including the AC Volvo, except scania buses. The Hologram enabled, prepaid cards will include the consumer's ID card number printed on it. When a passenger boards the bus, he/she should show both the ID card and prepaid card to the conductor.
