BMTC reinstates electronic ticketing machines

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: As part of an initiative under the modernisation efforts taking place in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the conductors have been provided with newly acquired Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs).

However, the majority of conductors are unable to use the device to its optimum as the corporation has not conducted training workshops. BMTC made the switch from manual ticketing to the ETMs earlier but had stopped the services after many machines were found to be faulty, causing trouble for both conductors and commuters.

ETMs have the potential to make travel on the bus easy as it eliminates the need for currency exchange, which often leads to scuffle between the passengers and BMTC personnel. Currently, the BMTC has purchased over 10,000 ETMs and provided them to conductors. However, they have not conducted any training sessions on how to use these devices.

A few conductors have said that they have been taught how to issue tickets alone while the device has many more features that can be of use. For example, the ETM machines have a camera installed to record any untoward incident. They also can be used to issue tickets through QR codes and the UPI mode of transaction.

A significant number of conductors are unaware of these features. While some conductors are of the opinion that the devices work like mobile phones and can be explored by themselves, many want a generalised workshop on the usage of the ETMs to be held.