New BMTC ETMs trigger delays as conductors, passengers flag stage-based ticketing issues
The rollout of new Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has drawn mixed reactions from conductors and passengers, with many
The rollout of new Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has drawn mixed reactions from conductors and passengers, with many welcoming the upgraded digital payment features while raising concerns over delays caused by the stage-based ticketing system. The BMTC has begun introducing around 11,000 Android-based ETMs as part of a major digital modernisation initiative. The new handheld devices support multiple payment options, including cash, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), QR code-based payments, the Common Mobility Card (NCMC), smart cards and digital passes. However, conductors said the GPS-enabled system, which generates dynamic QR codes based on fixed geographical stages, is creating operational challenges during busy trips. According to several conductors, ticketing must be completed before the bus crosses into the next geographical stage. If passengers are still in the process of making UPI payments or if there are network delays, conductors are often forced to ask drivers to slow down or briefly stop the bus before entering the next stage to complete ticket issuance.
“The new ETMs are easy to use and the additional payment options are definitely an improvement. But the problem arises when passengers choose UPI payments and mobile network connectivity is poor. Sometimes the payment takes time to process, and we cannot complete ticketing before the bus reaches the next stage,” a BMTC conductor said. “If we cross into the next stage before issuing the ticket, the system automatically generates a ticket for the next stage because it is GPS-based. Even though the passenger boarded earlier, they may end up being charged for the next stage, which is a loss to us. To avoid this, we often request the driver to slow down or stop for a couple of minutes before crossing the stage boundary. This affects the journey and overall schedule,” the conductor added. Unscheduled halts Passengers travelling on several city routes said these unscheduled halts have become increasingly common and are adding to travel time.
Mahesh Kumar, who regularly travels between Brigade Road and Bilekahalli, said that the buses frequently halt for several minutes while conductors complete ticketing. “Almost every day, the bus stops for five to ten minutes before entering the next stage so that all pending tickets can be issued. Bengaluru traffic already makes commuting time-consuming, and these additional stoppages further delay our journey. While digital ticketing is a good initiative, the system should not slow down bus operations,” he said. Another commuter, Vivek B.S. from J.P. Nagar, felt the earlier QR code system was quicker. “Earlier, passengers could simply scan the QR sticker inside the bus and show the payment confirmation to the conductor, which was much faster. Now everyone has to scan the QR code generated on the ticketing machine, and if there are network issues, the process takes longer. The BMTC should make the payment process faster and more convenient,” he said.
The BriefWire