RTC to issue RFID cards for daily passengers soon

Srikakulam: APSRTC will issue smart cards, the radio frequency identification digital (RFID) card, to its daily service passengers soon, said APSRTC Deputy Chief Traffic Manager (DCTM) for Srikakulam, Narra Srinivas.

In a press conference at RTC bus station on Friday, Srinivas said that training programme was going on for conductors over the operation of RFID cards at Srikakulam depot, which is first of its kind in the State.

He said the daily service passengers can purchase these cards by paying amount once to avoid daily payment. Everyday balance in the card will be deducted from the card and it can be re-charged after end of the balance, he added.

The RTC would also extend students bus passes up to 50 kilometres distance from their starting point to destination, the DCTM explained. Previously these passes were valid up to 35 kilometres, now, it is extended to 50 kilometres.

Cost of these passes for one month is Rs 420, quarterly Rs 1,260 and yearly Rs 4,200. He stated the APSRTC has introduced several reforms like allotment of duties to drivers and conductors through digital charts to avoid human involvement and to prevent irregularities in allotment of duties. Retirement benefits also be settled on the retirement day of the employee, the DCTM explained.