AC buses to have automated fare system

Hyderabad: After the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) implemented smart cards for its passengers, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has proposed a high technology system of Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) for city RTC buses.

Highlights:

• 154 AC buses to have automated fare system with smart card
• Machines to be set up at entry and exit points
• Singapore-based company approached to implement technology
• Committee set up to check possibilities

The decision was notably taken after the increased usage of smart card in Metro Rail following which the RTC department proposed to implement AFCS with smart card in 154 airconditioned buses in the city.

According to the decision, a machine will be set up at entry and exit door of the bus and the passenger can swipe the card at either point; the amount will be automatically debuted based on the travel distance.

Commenting on the same, a senior RTC official told The Hans India that the department is planning to implement Automated Fare Collection System soon. He said that a Singapore-based company has come forward to implement this technology in RTC buses and the department set up a committee to check the possibilities.

The official added that if the system is successful in AC buses then it would be taken up across all the RTC buses including Metro deluxe, Metro and ordinary buses.

It may be recalled that due to lake of coordination between Hyderabad Metro Rail, TSRTC and MMTS, the department has not yet set up multi-model smart cards for the passengers travelling through various modes of transport. Meanwhile, the Greater Hyderabad Zone of RTC is taking various steps to increases its connectivity and provide end-to-end service to the passengers.

By Aneri Shah